diligence

1 of 2

noun (1)

dil·​i·​gence ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s 

1

a

: steady, earnest, and energetic effort : persistent and careful hard work

showed great diligence in tracking down the story

He had earned universal respect for his integrity, fairness, and diligence.

—John L. Sanders

b

obsolete : speed, haste

Go, hence with diligence!

—Shakespeare

2

law : the attention, effort, and care legally expected or required of a person (such as a party to a contract) see also due diligence

diligence

2 of 2

noun (2)

di·​li·​gence ˈdi-lə-ˌzhäⁿs  ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s 

archaic : stagecoach

The railway had driven coach companies out of business. … Once, the journey had taken three days by diligence.

—Graham Robb

Synonyms of diligence

Noun (1)

• effort
• assiduity
• persistence
• industry
• industriousness
• assiduousness
• attentiveness
• attention

Examples of diligence in a Sentence

Noun (1)

through the diligence and ingenuity of a single detective, the gang's ringleader was finally caught

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When diligence systems better balance verification rather than velocity, governance can improve without slowing innovation. —Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Other clubs had also been aware of this particular concern, noting his creditable goalscoring record, but also his shortcomings, including his off-the-ball diligence and ability to fashion chances himself. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

Historical classification files, supplier certifications, routing documentation, communications with logistics providers and internal compliance manuals and training records are among the assets Bini said companies should be compiling with a high level of diligence. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026

His diligence and selflessness will be assets throughout his career. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin diligentia, from diligent-, diligens — see diligent

Noun (2)

French, literally, haste, from Middle French, persevering application

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1742, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diligence

• due diligence

Kids Definition

diligence

noun

dil·​i·​gence

ˈdil-ə-jən(t)s

: careful and continued work : industry

Legal Definition

diligence

noun

dil·​i·​gence ˈdi-lə-jəns 

: earnest and persistent application of effort especially as required by law

also : care sense 1 see also due diligence