dil·i·gence
ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s 
1
2
law
: the attention, effort, 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
archaic
: 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
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
This level of diligence is vital when these draft prospects have already completed their résumé of film on the field and has been given an initial draft grade by scouts and analysts.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
And this is where doing your diligence and researching each brand comes in.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Over 60 members attended the champagne social, which has become a cherished tradition marking the beginning of the final diligence review process.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diligence
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Noun
The Oregon ties, athleticism and Denver’s need for a tight end still mean the Broncos will do plenty of diligence here.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
This level of diligence is vital when these draft prospects have already completed their résumé of film on the field and has been given an initial draft grade by scouts and analysts.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
And this is where doing your diligence and researching each brand comes in.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Over 60 members attended the champagne social, which has become a cherished tradition marking the beginning of the final diligence review process.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diligence
Cite this Entry
“Diligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligence. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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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