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

See Examples For:

work ethic

The comedian later said his father's work ethic greatly influenced his approach to his own career.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Carlos Beltrán credits his father with instilling his work ethic by winning “perfect attendance” certificates every year for 35 years at his company.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

The winger's energy and pace gave England a threat and his relentless work ethic won them a vital penalty.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

He says that the “sorting mechanisms” of dating apps undervalue what matters in a potential partner: work ethic, the ability to weather hard times and the character of one’s family.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

Helm was a humble man who brought to Bush Hill three enduring qualities—an established work ethic, an endless supply of kindness, and an indomitable spiritual courage.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy