Synonyms of industry

industry

noun

ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē 

as in effort

attentive and persistent effort

he isn't the smartest kid in class, but he gets the best grades by determined industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effort
• diligence
• industriousness
• application
• persistence
• assiduity
• assiduousness
• attention
• concentration
• effortfulness
• attentiveness
• sedulity
• care
• sedulousness
• tenacity
• perseverance
• doggedness
• pains
• painstaking
• trouble
• bother
• tirelessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• negligence
• carelessness
• idleness
• laziness
• slackness
• indolence

Synonym Chooser

How is the word industry distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of industry are business, commerce, trade, and traffic. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

When might business be a better fit than industry?

While the synonyms business and industry are close in meaning, business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

How do commerce and trade relate to one another, in the sense of industry?

Both commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

When could traffic be used to replace industry?

The meanings of traffic and industry largely overlap; however, traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of industry

For nearly four years since its first crewed mission, the New Shepard spacecraft has served as a powerful symbol of Blue Origin's commercial spaceflight ambitions amid a growing space tourism industry. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2025

Here, The Athletic looks at what happens to the 99 per cent who do not ‘make it’, and how they are treated by the industry. —Colin Millar, New York Times, 27 June 2025

The show’s category classification, however, has become a source of contention within the industry, with many critics arguing that the series should not be considered a comedy. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025

The industry is also seeing larger, more established companies looking to become more efficient by using AI. —Angeley Mullins, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025