Industrious
adjective /ɪnˈdʌstriəs/ — The kind of person who doesn't wait to be told twice.
Definition
Characterised by diligence and hard work; consistently putting effort into tasks without needing prompting.
Beyond the definition
Industrious has warmth to it. It's not grinding or overwork — it's the quiet satisfaction of someone who finds dignity in sustained effort. The industrious person doesn't necessarily work the hardest, but they work most consistently.
Origin & history
From Latin industriosus — diligent, active (industria: activity, diligence). Related to indu- 'in' + struere 'to build'. The industrious person is always building something.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She was industrious in a way that didn't seem like effort — she simply did the thing and moved to the next.
The most industrious person on the team was rarely the noisiest about it.
An industrious morning sets a different kind of day — not rushed, but purposeful.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Industrious” when the meaning fits your context: Characterised by diligence and hard work; consistently putting effort into tasks without needing prompting.
Synonyms
diligent, hardworking, assiduous, tireless, productive, conscientious
Antonyms
lazy, idle, indolent, lethargic
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Chef Preparing Vegetables
An adult chef works at a stainless steel station, carefully julienning vegetables with sharp, precise, and efficient movements in a clean, organized kitchen space.
Industriousness is characterized by consistent, diligent effort. The chef's focus on the mise-en-place and the meticulous, precise execution of the julienne technique demonstrates a consistent application of hard work and attention to detail, showing a professional who consistently puts effort into their tasks without needing any external prompting.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Industrious" mean?
Industrious is adjective meaning: The kind of person who doesn't wait to be told twice.. Characterised by diligence and hard work; consistently putting effort into tasks without needing prompting.
Where does the word "Industrious" come from?
From Latin industriosus — diligent, active (industria: activity, diligence). Related to indu- 'in' + struere 'to build'. The industrious person is always building something.