workaholic

American  

[wurk-uh-haw-lik, -hol-ik] / ˌwɜrk əˈhɔ lɪk, -ˈhɒl ɪk /

noun

1. a person who works compulsively at the expense of other pursuits.

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workaholic British  

/ ˌwɜːkəˈhɒlɪk /

noun

1. 1. a person obsessively addicted to work

   2. ( as modifier )

      workaholic behaviour

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• workaholism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of workaholic

First recorded in 1965–70; work + -aholic

Explanation

A workaholic is someone who can't stop working. Workaholics are obsessed with working to an unhealthy degree. Just as an alcoholic has an unhealthy addiction to alcohol, workaholics have an unhealthy addiction to work. Wanting to work all the time might sound like a harmless desire, but for some people it's a real problem. A workaholic goes to work early and stays late. A workaholic might have trouble relaxing. Many workaholics neglect their families and friends because all they care about is work. Workaholics take a good thing — working — too far.

Example Sentences

It was about respecting the workaholic she saw in the mirror.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

He has kept up his well-known workaholic pace that only slowed somewhat after he was diagnosed with cancer in January 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Having taken them to the Champions League for the first time since 1982-83, when it was the European Cup - and then to last season's quarter-finals - workaholic Emery has transformed Villa.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

L.A.-based author and podcaster, Jennifer Romolini, is a reformed workaholic who spent more than 20 years in high-profile positions at women’s magazines and lifestyle websites.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025

Mom’s boss is an unstoppable robot workaholic lawyer, so this happens a lot.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli