overachieve

Also o·ver-a·chieve

[oh-ver-uh-cheev]

verb (used without object)

overachieved, overachieving 

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

Other Word Forms

• overachievement noun
• overachiever noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overachieve¹

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

Example Sentences

Many felt that Bournemouth overachieved when they finished ninth last season - and for a while there was even talk of Europe.

From BBC

That, and getting Sophia, the beautiful, overachieving sad girl he’s been crushing on for four years, to notice him.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, just around the corner, young Aronofsky himself did something great — and then realized audiences expected him to keep overachieving for the rest of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

That I had to shrink, impress or overachieve to deserve it.

From Los Angeles Times

A lot of them overachieve and I’m very proud of that.”

From Los Angeles Times