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 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
Mae Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 What set Brady apart was his diligence and his commitment to his students, Sanders said, noting how he is involved in clubs and extracurricular activities outside the classroom. —Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 The collective exhibit echoes themes of resilience, diligence and opportunity that resonate through the history of the Indian region and those who spread its cultures throughout the world. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 For items on the list, EWG suggests buying organic or frozen versions, and diligence in washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. —Andrew Adam Newman, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diligence
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
Supino thinks the portal going live will require composure as well as diligence. —Mae Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 What set Brady apart was his diligence and his commitment to his students, Sanders said, noting how he is involved in clubs and extracurricular activities outside the classroom. —Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 The collective exhibit echoes themes of resilience, diligence and opportunity that resonate through the history of the Indian region and those who spread its cultures throughout the world. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 For items on the list, EWG suggests buying organic or frozen versions, and diligence in washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. —Andrew Adam Newman, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diligence
Cite this Entry
“Diligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/diligence. Accessed 26 Apr. 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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