work ethic

American  

[wurk eth-ik] / ˈwɜrk ˌɛθ ɪk /

noun

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

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work ethic British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of work ethic

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Edwards said it was the best she had seen Capsey play, and praised her work ethic over the winter.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

"It's his work ethic and application," he said.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

“Talking about ambition and work ethic are great indicators,” Boneparth said.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Singling out their work ethic, Mantello extolled the way Lane and Metcalf can be relied on to hit the ground running.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

That in the dictionary under work ethic there is a picture of me?

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad