work ethic

noun

: a belief in work as a moral good : a set of values centered on the importance of doing work and reflected especially in a desire or determination to work hard

Examples of work ethic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her prodigious work ethic has yielded a superb artist on the rise. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 According to the three-time Olympian, that’s her work ethic and her attitude. Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 The coach’s nonstop work ethic was inspiring, Williams said. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Morgan’s stellar work ethic became his calling card around the facility. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2024 Calling him a connector with a tireless work ethic, Murray also praised El’Zabar’s ability to draw people in. Marcus J. Moore, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The character and work ethic of public aid recipients have long been sticking points for the right. Kathryn Anne Edwards, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 Older generations love talking about how their youngest workers lack a strong work ethic or show impatience in climbing the corporate ladder. Sho Dewan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 LeBron James is defending his eldest son's work ethic! Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'work ethic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of work ethic was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near work ethic

Cite this Entry

“Work ethic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20ethic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on work ethic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!