dil·i·gence
ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s 
1
a
: steady, earnest, and energetic effort : devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking : assiduity
showed great diligence in tracking down the story
He had earned universal respect for his integrity, fairness, and diligence.—
John L. Sanders
John L. Sanders2
law
: the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (such as a party to a contract) see also due diligence
di·li·gence
ˈdi-lə-ˌzhäⁿs
ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s
ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s
: stagecoach
The railway had driven coach companies out of business …. Once, the journey had taken three days by diligence.—Graham Robb
Graham RobbExamples of diligence in a Sentence
Noun (1)
through the diligence and ingenuity of a single detective, the gang's ringleader was finally caught
Recent Examples on the Web
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Duty Of Care The duty of care obligates fiduciaries to exercise a high standard of professionalism, prudence, and diligence in managing your finances.
—True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The deep division is not due to a lack of effort or diligence but rather a sincere adherence to our individual principles and moral convictions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
But her diligence hasn’t stopped her talented family from giving her their opinion.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2025
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Noun
California officials note that the state has tens of millions of voters, and say delays are due to its diligence in making sure that every valid ballot counts.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Duty Of Care The duty of care obligates fiduciaries to exercise a high standard of professionalism, prudence, and diligence in managing your finances.
—True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The deep division is not due to a lack of effort or diligence but rather a sincere adherence to our individual principles and moral convictions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
But her diligence hasn’t stopped her talented family from giving her their opinion.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diligence
Cite this Entry
“Diligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligence. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
diligence
noun
dil·i·gence
ˈdi-lə-jəns
: earnest and persistent application of effort especially as required by law
also
: care sense 1 see also due diligence
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