overachieve

[ oh-ver-uh-cheev ]

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·a·chieved, o·ver·a·chiev·ing.

1. to perform better or achieve more than people are generally expected to, often because of high ambition, pressure from family, etc.
2. to perform, especially academically, above the potential indicated by tests of one's mental ability or aptitude.

overachieve

/ ˌəʊvərəˈtʃiːv /

verb

1. intr to perform (for example, in examinations) better than would be expected on the basis of one's age or talents

Derived Forms

• ˌoveraˈchiever, noun

Other Words From

• o·ver·a·chieve·ment noun
• o·ver·a·chiev·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overachieve¹

1950–55; over- + achieve, or by back formation from overachiever

Example Sentences

Sea surface temperatures are sufficiently warm to support a hurricane, and already Elsa has exhibited a tendency to overachieve.

From Washington Post

While Portland has been consistent in making the playoffs and, in some cases, has overachieved, they still haven’t truly contended for a championship … and some wonder if blowing up the roster is the only way they’ll get there.

From Ozy

It is worth noting, though, that historically, environmental goals in five-year plans have been set to be overachieved.

From Vox

Not every campaign will overachieve those KPIs, but many marketers are seeing campaigns consistently meet or exceed their KPIs.

From Digiday