What is the opposite of 'slothful'?

The term 'slothful' describes a state of laziness or a lack of motivation to exert effort. Therefore, the opposite would be a quality indicating diligence and a willingness to work hard. 'Hardworking' encompasses characteristics of being industrious, dedicated, and consistently putting in effort, which contrasts sharply with the notion of being slothful.

In contrast, the other choices describe various states that do not serve as opposites to 'slothful.' 'Indolent' aligns more with being lazy. 'Procrastinating' refers to delaying or postponing tasks, which is often associated with slothfulness. 'Wayward' implies being difficult to control or predict, typically regarding behavior, but it does not directly pertain to work ethic or motivation. Thus, 'hardworking' stands out as the clear opposite of 'slothful.'