industrious

adjective

in·​dus·​tri·​ous in-ˈdə-strē-əs 

1

: constantly, regularly, or habitually active or occupied : diligent

an industrious worker

2

obsolete : skillful, ingenious

industriously adverb

industriousness noun

Synonyms of industrious

• diligent
• engaged
• busy
• employed

Choose the Right Synonym for industrious

busy, industrious, diligent, assiduous, sedulous mean actively engaged or occupied.

busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application.

a sedulous investigation of the murder

Examples of industrious in a Sentence

He is an industrious worker.

an industrious worker who never seems to sleep

Recent Examples on the Web

Then an industrious deliveryman (Fernando Cardona) is forced to choose between his job and a final match with his teammates. —Carlos Aguilar, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026

Capricorn The cardinal earth sign, symbolized by the Sea Goat, is ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries, restrictions, hard work, and commitment, which can translate to your kid being fairly serious, industrious, grounded, and driven even from a young age. —Maressa Brown, Parents, 18 June 2026

McFred was industrious, but without finesse or attacking zeal. —Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026

Gardeners know pollinators are essential, especially those industrious bees buzzing tirelessly in and out of squash blossoms and trumpet vines. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for industrious

• illustrious

Kids Definition

industrious

adjective

in·​dus·​tri·​ous in-ˈdəs-trē-əs 

: constantly or regularly active or occupied

an industrious farmer

industriously adverb

industriousness noun