Choose the Right Word

hard-working, diligent, industrious

Hard-working is the most general term but is typically applied to people in paid work (you can search for an honest, hard-working mechanic in your area).

Diligent describes a careful, conscientious person (such as a pupil, teacher, parent, or student) or their actions (such as research, enquiries, practice, or a search). A diligent person typically works hard from a sense of duty or dedication (she had been diligent about her piano lessons | skilled and diligent nursing staff).

industrious conveys an impression of worthiness (she wanted energetic, industrious people around her), being commonly used alongside energetic, loyal, sober or obedient.

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