From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishwork ethicˈwork ˌethic noun [singular] WORK HARDa belief in the moral value and importance of work They instilled the work ethic into their children.
Examples from the Corpus
work ethic• It builds a sort of dedication, a work ethic, which is valuable at a university or a polytechnic.• Risk factors specific to the individual such as work ethic or commitment to the organisation need to be considered.• Employers are looking to hire people with a good work ethic.• I have a strong work ethic.• One of the important factors that promoted this work ethic was, according to Weber, not economic but religious.• People still believe in the traditional work ethic and we are fortunate they do. 