Work ethic
n.resilient, capableprofessional
What it means
A dependable commitment to doing work carefully and responsibly.
Reach for it when praising a dependable pattern of effort, responsibility, and care in work
Her strong work ethic earned the trust of every client.
Choose between these
7- everyday
others can depend on follow-through
not when Reliability does not show intensity or initiative.
- warm
strong motivation advances ambitious goals
not when Drive can encourage overwork and competition.
- professional
consistent action continues without immediate motivation
not when Discipline may be externally imposed.
- professional
conduct meets role and ethical expectations
not when Professionalism can be polished without hard work.
- formal
conscientiousness
care and responsibility guide completion
not when Conscientious workers can have limited output.
- formal
steady careful effort is the exact virtue
not when Diligence does not include reliability or values about work.
- literary
industriousness
sustained productive activity deserves praise
not when Busyness can be mistaken for useful effort.
Said against
3- negligence
- unreliability
- idleness
It naturally appears in
3- strong work ethic
Her strong work ethic included asking for help before quality slipped.
- team work ethic
The team's work ethic valued clean handoffs as much as long hours.
- develop a work ethic
Apprentices develop a work ethic through meaningful responsibility and feedback.
Usage notes
Work ethic should praise reliable, responsible contribution, not glorify exhaustion, unpaid labor, or constant availability.