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

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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Her first order of business, however, is pitting the scowling Ritter and bland, industrious Wittmers, who had managed a bearable distance so far, against each other.

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Reading aloud, Mr Hopkins says: "He's cheerful and industrious, with a mischievous sense of humour and fondness for practical jokes."

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Related Words

• conscientious 
• diligent 
• energetic 
• productive