industrious
Industrious (adjective) means working hard and steadily; diligent. Example: “The industrious student finished the project days ahead of schedule.”
How to use industrious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHard-working and consistently productive.
Don't confuse with "industrial," which describes factories and manufacturing, not a person's work ethic.
Word forms
more industrious comparative, most industrious superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ student finished the project days ahead of schedule.
Etymology
From Middle French industrieux, from Late Latin industriosus ("diligent"), related to industria ("diligence").
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for industrious
See all rhymes for industrious →Frequently asked questions
What does “industrious” mean?
The word “industrious” means working hard and steadily; diligent. In plain terms, hard-working and consistently productive.
How do you pronounce “industrious”?
“Industrious” is pronounced ihn-DUHST-ree-uhs (/ɪnˈdʌstɹi.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “industrious” in a sentence?
Here is “industrious” used in a sentence: “The industrious student finished the project days ahead of schedule.”
What is the opposite of “industrious”?
The opposite of “industrious” — its antonyms — are lazy, absent-minded, changeable, distractible and fickle.
What part of speech is “industrious”?
“Industrious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “industrious” come from?
The word “industrious” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French industrieux, from Late Latin industriosus ("diligent"), related to industria ("diligence").