Word
hardworking
Phoneticshard·work·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdˌwɝkɪŋ/
UK/hˈɑːdwɜːkɪŋ/
Definition
adj. putting a lot of effort and care into your work. You use this to describe someone who is not lazy and stays focused on their tasks.
adj. characterised by constant, diligent, and earnest effort in one's work or duties. Typically describes individuals or their habits; gradable in formal writing.
Examples
“She is a very hardworking student.”
“The manager promoted him because he is the most hardworking person on the team.”
“Success in this competitive industry requires a hardworking attitude and the ability to remain productive under significant pressure.”
Examples
simple
“She is a very hardworking student.”
contextual
“The manager promoted him because he is the most hardworking person on the team.”
complex
“Success in this competitive industry requires a hardworking attitude and the ability to remain productive under significant pressure.”
Usage
Often modified by degree adverbs like 'very', 'extremely', or 'incredibly'.
Pitfall
he works very hardworking
he works very hard
Learners often confuse the adjective 'hardworking' with the adverbial phrase 'work hard'.
Etymology
From hard + working.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/hardworking