industrious

in·dus·tri·ous

adjective \in-ˈdəs-trē-əs\

Definition of INDUSTRIOUS

1

obsolete : skillful, ingenious

2

: constantly, regularly, or habitually active or occupied : diligent <an industrious worker>

— in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb

— in·dus·tri·ous·ness noun

Examples of INDUSTRIOUS

1. He is an industrious worker.
2. <an industrious worker who never seems to sleep>

First Known Use of INDUSTRIOUS

15th century

Related to INDUSTRIOUS

Synonyms

active, assiduous, bustling, diligent, employed, engaged, hopping, busy, laborious, occupied, sedulous, tied-up, working

Antonyms

idle, inactive, unbusy, unemployed, unoccupied

Related Words

knee-deep, swamped; animated, astir, buzzing, flourishing, happening, humming, lively, thriving, vibrant; absorbed, concentrating, engrossed, focused (also focussed), immersed, intent, preoccupied; alive, functional, functioning, going, living, operating, operational, operative, running; energetic, vigorous; hardworking; indefatigable, tireless, untiring

Near Antonyms

free; asleep, dormant, latent, lifeless, quiescent, sleepy; inert, passive; dead, dull, slow; inoperative, nonoperating

See Synonym Discussion at busy

Rhymes with INDUSTRIOUS

illustrious