overachieve

[oh-ver-uh-cheev]

verb (used without object), o·ver·a·chieved, o·ver·a·chiev·ing.

to perform, especially academically, above the potential indicated by tests of one's mental ability or aptitude.
to perform better or achieve more than expected, especially by others.

Origin of overachieve

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

Related formso·ver·a·chieve·ment, nouno·ver·a·chiev·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for over-achiever

overachieve

verb

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

Derived Formsoverachiever, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for over-achiever

also overachiever, 1953, from over- + agent noun of achieve. Related: Over-achieve; over-achieving.