conscientious

con·sci·en·tious

adj \ˌkän(t)-shē-ˈen(t)-shəs\

Definition of CONSCIENTIOUS

1

: governed by or conforming to the dictates of conscience : scrupulous <a conscientious public servant>

2

: meticulous, careful <a conscientious listener>

— con·sci·en·tious·ly adverb

— con·sci·en·tious·ness noun

Examples of CONSCIENTIOUS

1. She has always been a very conscientious worker.
2. He was conscientious about following the doctor's orders.
3. He was a good friend to his comrades, a conscientious leader mindful of his men's needs; an upright family man with strong, bright, proud children … —Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994
4. Because Puckett was a conscientious lieutenant … his men did not have to stint on their fire. He had made sure that every man was carrying a basic load of ammunition and then some to spare … —Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988
5. He was shifty about money matters, not conscientious about returning advances, fulfilling contracts, reading manuscripts. —Monroe K. Spears, American Ambitions, 1987

Origin of CONSCIENTIOUS

(see conscience)

First Known Use: 1576

Related to CONSCIENTIOUS

Synonyms: conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, scrupulous

Antonyms: cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Related Words: decent, good, righteous, right-minded, straight, upright, virtuous; dutiful, observant, respectful; overconscientious; reliable, responsible, solid, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty; esteemed, law-abiding, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy

Near Antonyms: bad, black, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unrighteous, wicked; unreliable, untrustworthy; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, reprobate; atrocious, infamous, villainous; base, low, mean, vicious, vile; iniquitous, nefarious

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