Workaholic: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe someone who is obsessed with their work to the point that it impacts their personal life and health. Often carries a negative connotation.

• John is a workaholic; he stays in the office until midnight every day.

Similar to 'workaholic,' it describes someone addicted to their work, but adds a slightly more clinical or serious tone.

• She didn't realize she had become a work addict until her doctor warned her about stress-related health problems.

This term is more positive and describes someone who has a great passion and love for their work, without the negative implications of overdoing it.

• Mark is a work enthusiast who genuinely enjoys every project he takes on.

Conveys a more intense and sometimes negative or aggressive form of dedication to work, often implying a relentless and somewhat obsessive nature.

• As a work fiend, Sarah often skips lunch and stays late to meet her deadlines.

This term describes a person who is addicted to work and has an intense desire to work all the time. It often implies that the person is neglecting other aspects of their life, such as family or hobbies. It can have a negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy balance between work and personal life.

• John is such a workaholic; he never takes time off to relax.
• Being a workaholic can lead to burnout and stress.

This term refers to the act of working too much, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. It is generally used to describe a state or condition rather than a personality trait. It often has negative implications for one's health and well-being.

• She fell ill due to overwork and had to take a medical leave.
• Overworking can decrease productivity over time.

This term signifies a compulsive need or preoccupation with work, often to the point of neglecting other important areas of life. It can be used interchangeably with workaholic but focuses more on the compulsive aspect. It usually implies a negative impact on overall well-being.

• Her work obsession has made it difficult for her to maintain friendships.
• An unhealthy work obsession can lead to severe stress.

This phrase describes an intense focus or preoccupation with work to the extent that it dominates one's thoughts and activities. It is similar to workaholism but emphasizes the mental preoccupation with work tasks. It has a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting imbalance.

• His work fixation is so intense that he even dreams about his projects.
• Developing a work fixation can harm your relationships.