underachiever

noun

un·​der·​achiev·​er ˌən-dər-ə-ˈchē-vər How to pronounce underachiever (audio)
: one (such as a student) that fails to attain a predicted level of achievement or does not do as well as expected
underachieve intransitive verb
underachievement noun

Examples of underachiever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The former two-year starter at the University of Georgia will reportedly earn $4 million as the new quarterback for the University of Miami after the Hurricanes won one of the most aggressive, and lucrative bidding wars for an injured underachiever. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 Amazingly, Mayfield’s reputation has transformed from Cleveland’s bratty underachiever to Tampa Bay’s feisty overachiever who is third in the league in passing. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025 His leadership was instrumental in transforming the Clippers from perennial underachievers into legitimate contenders. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 Less viewed or posted – or, less lauded – is news of people falling short or feeling like an underachiever for not accomplishing the goals or resolutions established at the onset of 2024. Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underachiever 

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underachiever was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near underachiever

Cite this Entry

“Underachiever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underachiever. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

underachiever

noun
un·​der·​achiev·​er ˌən-də-rə-ˈchē-vər How to pronounce underachiever (audio)
: one (as a student) that fails to do as well as expected

Medical Definition

underachiever

noun
un·​der·​achiev·​er ˌən-dər-ə-ˈchē-vər How to pronounce underachiever (audio)
: a person (as a student) who fails to attain a predicted level of achievement or does not do as well as expected
underachieve
-ˈchēv
intransitive verb
underachieved; underachieving
underachievement noun

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