In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap.From the list of words lettered A to D, choose…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Industrious workers should be promoted and ...... ones should be dismissed." The underlined word is industrious. We need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning and that also fits the gap.

Explain the concept

Industrious means hardworking, diligent, and consistently busy at work. Its antonym should mean lazy or habitually unwilling to work.

Check each option

• A. indolent means habitually lazy and avoiding work. This is the direct opposite of industrious. It also fits the gap, as "indolent ones should be dismissed."
• B. dishonest is about lack of truthfulness, not about work ethic. It is not an opposite.
• C. inactive means not active at a given time. It describes a state, not a character trait, so it is weaker and less precise. A worker may be inactive for reasons other than laziness.
• D. sluggish means slow-moving or lacking energy. It is related to laziness, but it describes pace, not a habit of avoiding work.

Answer

The best antonym of industrious is indolent, which means lazy by habit. The sentence reads: "Industrious workers should be promoted and indolent ones should be dismissed.

Tip

For antonym questions, match the degree and type of meaning, not just a general idea. Industrious describes a character trait, so choose the answer that also describes a character trait (indolent), not a temporary state (inactive) or a speed (sluggish). A useful memory aid is that in-dolent sounds like "in a dull state," meaning not working.