Definitions

diligent

[dil-i-juhnt] / ˈdɪl ɪ dʒənt /

ADJECTIVE

persevering, hard-working

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active assiduous attentive careful conscientious eager earnest indefatigable industrious painstaking persistent studious tireless

WEAK

busy constant eager beaver grind laborious occupied operose persisting pertinacious plugging sedulous steadfast unflagging unrelenting untiring

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless disinterested idle ignorant inactive inattentive lazy neglectful thoughtless tired uncareful unconcerned unenthusiastic unscrupulous weary

WEAK

indifferent languid lethargic negligent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Although she is quite frugal, she has not been particularly diligent with investing.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Officials say that to combat the spread, ranchers must be diligent about covering wounds on their livestock, to prevent screwworms from taking hold.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The company has remained diligent following a significant operational recovery in 2025, delivering a statutory profit and progress toward operational targets, Hussain says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“I was wild and in the streets, not diligent in any way about anything, but I really loved it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Even in that last battle, he had been well served by what he called the “honest, sensible and diligent men” of Americas first intelligence service.

From "George Washington, Spymaster" by Thomas B. Allen

Vocabulary lists containing diligent

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Grade 9, List 1

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