industrious

[ in-duhs-tree-uhs ]

adjective

1. working energetically and devotedly; hardworking; diligent:

   an industrious person.

   Synonyms: energetic, tireless, sedulous, persevering, assiduous

   Antonyms: indolent, lazy

2. Obsolete. skillful.

industrious

/ ɪnˈdʌstrɪəs /

adjective

1. hard-working, diligent, or assiduous
2. an obsolete word for skilful

Derived Forms

• inˈdustriousness, noun
• inˈdustriously, adverb

Other Words From

• in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb
• in·dus·tri·ous·ness noun
• non·in·dus·tri·ous adjective
• non·in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb
• su·per·in·dus·tri·ous adjective
• su·per·in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb
• un·in·dus·tri·ous adjective
• un·in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of industrious¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French industrie “cleverness, skill,” from Old French industrie “contrivance, device,” from Latin industrius “diligent, assiduous”; equivalent to indo-, by-form of in- “in” ( in- ²( def ) + -struus, noun derivative of struere “to arrange, devise, build”

Synonym Study

See busy.

Example Sentences

In a later interview on CBC Radio, the chef admitted that the concept is both “genius” and “industrious,” but said he refuses to try the pasta for himself.

From Salon

They came together and they were very industrious.

From Seattle Times

Clams can be difficult to find, but an industrious otter can scrounge up dozens of marine snails, then eat them all in one sitting.

From Science Magazine

He's industrious rather that spectacular, but that is no slight on the Saracens man's ability, and he was an unsung hero of England's three Six Nations titles since he made his debut in 2016.

From BBC

Directed by Carlson Young, “Upgraded” also takes a page from the Picasso handbook, borrowing liberally from “The Devil Wears Prada” and other stories of industrious underlings faking it to make it.

From New York Times

Related Words

• conscientious
• diligent
• energetic
• productive