diligence

/ˈdɪlədʒəns/

/ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/

Other forms: diligences

If you practice diligence, you are a hard and careful worker. Do you have the diligence to read all the collected works of Henry James? Of course not. Nobody has, but a couple of his early novels won't hurt.

Here's a tip: never buy anything big, like a house or a car or a boat, without first exercising what lawyers call "due diligence" — that is, a real degree of care and attention and effort, not to mention a close reading of the small print. Diligence may help you realize the Brooklyn Bridge is not actually yours to buy, or that your potential neighbor has 112 cats living next door.

Definitions of diligence

1. noun

   conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care required in a given situation
   type of:

   conscientiousness, painstakingness

   the trait of being painstaking and careful
2. noun

   persevering determination to perform a task
   “his diligence won him quick promotions”

   synonyms: industriousness, industry

   types:

   assiduity, assiduousness, concentration

   great and constant diligence and attention

   sedulity, sedulousness

   the quality of being constantly diligent and attentive

   studiousness

   diligent study

   engrossment, intentness

   the quality of being intent and concentrated

   singleness

   the quality of concentrating on one central objective

   bookishness

   exaggerated studiousness

   type of:

   determination, purpose

   the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose
3. noun

   a diligent effort
   synonyms: application

   type of:

   effort, elbow grease, exertion, sweat, travail

   use of physical or mental energy; hard work