applying oneself
Putting in effort
Applying oneself means directing focused effort toward a task or goal, especially one requiring sustained concentration or discipline.
The phrase implies deliberate engagement rather than passive participation: If she applied herself, she could finish the degree in two years.
Often used to suggest someone has untapped potential they're not fully using.
- diligenceCareful, persistent effort
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- laser focusIntense, undivided concentration
- focusConcentrated attention point
- deep workUninterrupted cognitively demanding labor
putting in the work · practice · nose to the grindstone · perseverance · ambition · buckling down · honing · mindfulness · craftsmanship · tenacity · mental toughness · learning · industriousness · determination · willpower · burning the midnight oil · assiduity · grit
applying oneselfslacking
Avoiding effort deliberately
coasting · loafing · slacking off · goofing off · shirking
applying oneselfspacing out
Losing focus temporarily
zoning out · losing focus · daydreaming · drifting · procrastinating
apply, applies, applied, application, applications, applicant, applicants, applicable, inapplicable