diligence

1 of 2

noun (1)

dil·​i·​gence ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s How to pronounce diligence (audio)
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
b
obsolete : speed, haste
Go, hence with diligence!Shakespeare
2
law : the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (such as a party to a contract) see also due diligence

diligence

2 of 2

noun (2)

: stagecoach
The railway had driven coach companies out of business …. Once, the journey had taken three days by diligence.Graham Robb

Examples 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There is no good excuse for not doing the diligence on FCF to be sure a company’s dividend is safe. David Trainer, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 This diligence will be continued by me as well If I am elected. Patricia Louise Duaybes, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2025 These operations highlight the dedication and diligence of our officers and agents in protecting our communities from potential threats by enforcing immigration laws in accordance with U.S. laws and Department of Homeland Security policies. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025 McNally applied particular diligence to choosing the best location, consulting public land-use records to find an underserved spot: Prince Street in Nolita. Matthew Schneier, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diligence

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin diligentia, from diligent-, diligens — see diligent

Noun (2)

French, literally, haste, from Middle French, persevering application

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diligence was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligence. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

diligence

noun
dil·​i·​gence
ˈdil-ə-jən(t)s
: careful and continued work : industry

Legal Definition

diligence

noun
dil·​i·​gence ˈdi-lə-jəns How to pronounce diligence (audio)
: earnest and persistent application of effort especially as required by law
also : care sense 1 see also due diligence

More from Merriam-Webster on diligence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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