work ethic
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of work ethic
First recorded in 1950–55
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He is a real poacher and has a strong work ethic.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026
Pedroza said that his quarterback’s competitiveness and work ethic were evident from the first freshman year practice.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026
Her father worked there while pursuing an engineering degree, instilling a work ethic she applied to everything from martial arts to a job taking out the trash at a park.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
Natalie Gallagher, the narrator of Sarah Anderson’s darkly comic debut, “Fallow,” has never possessed anything like a sterling work ethic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
That’s Dad’s personal life motto, even though he ended up alone and working the night shift, collecting tolls at the bridge, where he needs neither talent nor a good work ethic.
From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
