overachieve

American  

[oh-ver-uh-cheev] / ˌoʊ vər əˈtʃiv /

Also over-achieve

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.

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overachieve British  

/ ˌəʊvərəˈtʃiːv /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• overachiever
  noun
• overachievement
  noun

Etymology

Origin of overachieve

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

Example Sentences

Paradoxically, the social pressure to overachieve as a parent only seems to intensify with mothers’ increased participation in the labor market.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

There is hope however that China will "underpromise but overachieve" as it has with some previous targets, including on renewable energy.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

"They'll put down a certain number, which is not great, and then they will overachieve it, and China does that a lot."

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

“Whether you overachieve or not, when you lose in the playoffs, it’s tough,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the team’s 120-101 loss in Game 7 on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

For outsiders, the Pacific Island teams often overachieve and Fiji beat England in the buildup to lay down a warning to pool rivals Wales and Australia.

From Washington Times • Sep. 1, 2023