First Known Use: 1576
Dictionary
conscientious
adjective con·sci·en·tious \ˌkän(t)-shē-ˈen(t)-shəs\
: very careful about doing what you are supposed to do : concerned with doing something correctly
Full Definition of CONSCIENTIOUS
1
: governed by or conforming to the dictates of conscience : scrupulous <a conscientious public servant>
2
: meticulous, careful <a conscientious listener>
— con·sci·en·tious·ly adverb
— con·sci·en·tious·ness noun
See conscientious defined for English-language learners
See conscientious defined for kids
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Examples of CONSCIENTIOUS
- He was a good friend to his comrades, a conscientious leader mindful of his men's needs; an upright family man with strong, bright, proud children … —Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994
- Because Puckett was a conscientious lieutenant … his men did not have to stint on their fire. He had made sure that every man was carrying a basic load of ammunition and then some to spare … —Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988
- He was shifty about money matters, not conscientious about returning advances, fulfilling contracts, reading manuscripts. —Monroe K. Spears, American Ambitions, 1987
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Origin of CONSCIENTIOUS
(see conscience)
Related to CONSCIENTIOUS
- Synonyms
- conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, scrupulous
- Antonyms
- cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous
Synonym Discussion of CONSCIENTIOUS
upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles <a stern and upright minister>. honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, fairness <known for being honest in business dealings>. just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable <workers given just compensation>. conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience <conscientious in the completion of her assignments> <scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will>. honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty <a difficult but honorable decision>.
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS Defined for Kids
conscientious
adjective con·sci·en·tious \ˌkän-shē-ˈen-shəs\
Definition of CONSCIENTIOUS for Kids
1
: guided by or agreeing with a sense of doing what is right <No conscientious person would stand for such unfair actions.>
2
: using or done with care <conscientious teachers> <conscientious efforts>
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