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

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

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

To make it in any professional sport, a slice of luck - in addition to work ethic and natural ability - is often required.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

She said there was previous evidence of a "strong work ethic" and of him being a "family man".

From BBC • May 14, 2026

The mechanism appears to run through behavior: Internalized belief shapes work ethic, honesty and willingness to cooperate with strangers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

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

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad