underachiever

[uhn-der-uh-chee-ver]

noun

1. a student who performs less well in school than would be expected on the basis of abilities indicated by intelligence and aptitude tests, etc.

2. a person or thing that performs below expectations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underachiever¹

1945–50; under- + achiever ( def. )

Example Sentences

All eyes are on Herbert in his sixth season, trying to shed the label of postseason underachiever, while some of his signal-calling peers — defined by playoff success — remain a tier above.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dallas Cowboys - 'America's Team' and the world's most valuable sporting franchise - will head into a landmark NFL season as one of the biggest underachievers in sport.

From BBC

Like any friend group, “Next Gen NYC” is filled with overachievers and underachievers; people who have family money and people who work long hours, scraping by to make their way in the big city.

From Salon

When it comes to major tournaments it is also hard not to mention two-time champions Germany, while perennial underachievers France and former winners Japan are capable of competing with the world's best.

From BBC

“We got to figure out how to get something going,” said outfielder Michael Conforto, chief among the Dodgers’ underachievers this season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disappointment