Overachiever Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌟
overachiever
[ˌoʊ.vər.əˈtʃiː.vər ]
Definition
hard-working individual
An overachiever is someone who performs better or achieves more success than expected, often to an excessive degree. They tend to set high goals for themselves and push themselves to excel in various aspects of their life.
Synonyms
go-getter, high achiever, striver.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overachiever |
Used to describe someone who achieves more than what is expected, often due to excessive effort. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the person may push themselves too hard or neglect other aspects of life.
|
| high achiever |
Describes someone who consistently performs at a high level in their endeavors. It is a neutral or positive term, emphasizing the person's accomplishments without implying excessive effort or ambition.
|
| go-getter |
Refers to a person who is very energetic, determined, and ambitious. It has a positive connotation and is used to describe someone who actively and eagerly pursues goals.
|
| striver |
Used to describe someone who makes strong efforts to achieve something. This term places more emphasis on the effort and persistence rather than the outcome, and usually has a positive connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He was known as the overachiever in his class, always scoring the highest marks.
- Her ambitious nature made her an overachiever in her career, constantly seeking new challenges.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Overachievers often face high levels of pressure to maintain their success, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
- They may also struggle with perfectionism, feeling that they need to be the best at everything they do.
Education
- In schools, overachievers are often recognized through awards, scholarships, and honors, which can motivate further achievements.
- However, education systems sometimes label these students, creating unrealistic expectations and comparisons among peers.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and TV shows portray overachievers, highlighting both their successes and the personal sacrifices they make, such as friendships or relaxation.
- Books featuring ambitious characters often explore themes of ambition and the consequences of striving to be the best.
Career
- In the workplace, overachievers may climb the corporate ladder quickly, earning promotions but risking burnout.
- Their drive can inspire colleagues, but they also may create an environment of competition that could be unhealthy in team settings.
Origin of 'overachiever'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'over-' meaning 'more than usual' with 'achiever,' which refers to someone who accomplishes goals.
- It gained popularity in the late 20th century as societal focus on competition and achievement in education increased.
The term 'overachiever' originated in the 1960s in the United States during a time when academic and career success became increasingly important. It was initially used in a positive light to describe individuals who exceeded expectations. Over time, the term has evolved to sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying that the individual may be putting too much pressure on themselves or others to constantly outperform.
See also: achievable, achieved, achievement, achievements, achiever, achieving, overachieving, unachievable, unachieved, underachievement, underachiever.