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

"I have followed Auqib's progress for a long time, and what stands out about him is his work ethic and discipline."

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026

She said the kind of work ethic needed to grow an organization such as hers meant it was challenging to take time off.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

Seydou spent early 2023 with Colorado, whose tight ends coach called him out during a news conference, questioning his "toughness" and work ethic.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 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

He was putting to work his tenacity and work ethic, the way he always gave to his teammates growing up, and blossoming into a leader..

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel