work ethic

[ wurk eth-ik ]

noun

1. a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character.

work ethic

noun

1. a belief in the moral value of work (often in the phrase Protestant work ethic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of work ethic¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

“He was a player I aspired to be when I was younger because of his work ethic. He had an aura on the pitch – give him the ball and he will go and get you a goal or an assist,” the ex-Swansea City and Manchester United man added.

From BBC

He added a relentless work ethic and a football mind so sharp that he could learn the Chargers’ defense in a few weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

He loves “telling stories and bringing characters to life and this ability to create conversations and entertainment,” but says, “Part of why I have this work ethic is because I have people that I want to look after, to keep safe.”

From Los Angeles Times

Senate in Ohio, where he had grown up, after becoming famous for writing a book that disparaged the work ethic of the people he’d grown up with.

From Slate

Elsewhere, his redoubtable work ethic saw him launch a record label and hip-hop magazine Vibe, as well as producing films like The Color Purple and TV shows including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

From BBC