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

Other Word Forms

• industriously adverb
• industriousness noun
• nonindustrious adjective
• nonindustriously adverb
• superindustrious adjective
• superindustriously adverb
• unindustrious adjective
• unindustriously 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

She was industrious, which is to say she did the work that fell to her without complaint, and to the best of her ability, too.

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When news of the REI store’s closure hit, industrious New Yorkers quickly flocked online to share their downtown bathroom survival tips.

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The industrious thrum of the heavy-duty sewing machines, along with the workers' chatter, normally fills the plant with a reassuring rhythm.

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The trouble is that, by his own admission, Hepburn laid hands on another member while using what he described as "industrious" language.

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But this industrious insect isn't flying back to stir its witch's cauldron, or playing Quidditch.

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Related Words

• conscientious 
• diligent 
• energetic 
• productive