Overachiever: meaning, definitions and examples

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overachiever

 

[ˌoʊ.vər.əˈtʃiː.vər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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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.

  • Despite having a full-time job, she's an overachiever who completes multiple online courses each year.
  • Some people see him as an overachiever, always stressing about getting the highest grades.
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.

  • She has been a high achiever since high school, excelling in both academics and sports.
  • High achievers often set challenging goals and work diligently to reach them.
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.

  • He's a real go-getter, always the first to volunteer for challenging projects.
  • If you need something done, ask her; she's a go-getter and won't give up until it's finished.
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.

  • As a striver, he was determined to improve his grades, spending extra hours studying every night.
  • Even though she faced many obstacles, her striver mentality ensured she never gave up on her dream.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "overachiever" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superdotado

🇮🇳 अधिप्राप्ति करने वाला

🇩🇪 Überflieger

🇮🇩 orang yang berprestasi tinggi

🇺🇦 перевиконавець

🇵🇱 przełomowiec

🇯🇵 オーバーアチーバー

🇫🇷 surperformant

🇪🇸 superdotado

🇹🇷 aşırı başarılı

🇰🇷 과도한 성취자

🇸🇦 مُتَفَوِّق

🇨🇿 přehnaný úspěšný

🇸🇰 prehnaný úspešný

🇨🇳 成绩特别优秀的人

🇸🇮 prekomeren dosežkar

🇮🇸 ofurárangurs

🇰🇿 жетістігі жоғары

🇬🇪 ზედმეტად წარმატებული

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq uğurlu

🇲🇽 superdotado