assiduity

American  

[as-i-doo-i-tee, -dyoo-] / ˌæs ɪˈdu ɪ ti, -ˈdju- /

noun

• assiduities
  plural

1. constant or close application or effort; diligence; industry.

2. assiduities, devoted or solicitous attentions.

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assiduity British  

/ ˌæsɪˈdjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. constant and close application

2. (often plural) devoted attention

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• assiduities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of assiduity

From the Latin word assiduitās, dating back to 1595–1605. See assiduous, -ity

Explanation

When you do something with assiduity, you really focus your attention on it. If you work with assiduity on a research paper, you're sure to get an A. If you've ever watched professional tennis, you've seen players focus with assiduity on their game. Diligent students, serious chess players, and successful businessmen all make great use of their assiduity to get what they want and do their best work. The noun assiduity has been around since the fifteenth century, and it comes from the Latin assiduatem, or "continual presence."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

assiduity assiduities

Despite his scholarly assiduity, Metcalfe is moving down an errant path that will never square the facts with lived experience.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2025

The House gave him a reference stating that he "acted with a very high degree of professionalism. He showed discretion, loyalty, assiduity and efficiency... there were no disciplinary issues affecting him".

From BBC ● May 1, 2018

All it takes is commitment and a little assiduity.

From Time ● Jan. 9, 2016

"There are no trees. The people are unhealthy in appearance - a circumstance which is attributed to their assiduity in pearl diving, which places a severe strain on the human constitution."

From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2014

“Be firm, Herbert,” I would retort, plying my own pen with great assiduity.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Could it have been with the purpose of ridding herself of the assiduities of Mr. Duryea?

From Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green

Do you not feel within your own breast a repugnance to the assiduities he at all times takes pains to shew you?

From The Sylph, Volume I and II by Georgiana Cavendish

But, in spite of this precaution, they could not escape the assiduities of some gay men of fashion, who knew Glenmurray and admired his companion; and Adeline at length suspected that Glenmurray was jealous.

From Adeline Mowbray or, The Mother and Daughter by Amelia Alderson Opie

Yet, that she might not weary and utterly repulse the notary's passion, the creole seemed sometimes touched by his assiduities, and flattered by the control which she exercised over him.

From The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 5 of 6 by Eugène Sue

Night and day I will watch and tend you, till the assiduities of my affection weary out the effects of your cruel disease brought on you—O God!—by your grief for me, your worthless Espras.”

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume 2 Historical, Traditional, and Imaginative by John Mackay Wilson