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

That intensity clearly crosses over, some players highlighting his meticulous attention to detail and work ethic.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

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

From BBC • May 14, 2026

He’s a true professional who’s versatility and work ethic made him a reliable hire from the age of 18 through his current age of 74.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

A majority of the nongraduates are young men, and some come from towns where the factory work ethic, to get working as soon as possible, remains strong, even if the factories themselves are vanishing.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times