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

• 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

Brennan: Workaholic icon Jerry West trying to find the next head coach, even after he just quit being the head coach because it drove him crazy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2022

Workaholic Peter Lombard took his wife, Eva, to Hong Kong for their anniversary vacation.

From Washington Times • Jan. 28, 2020

Workaholic Richard Thompson is back with another new project.

From The Guardian • Dec. 8, 2010

At a recent meeting, county commissioners mulled over the $5,000 per episode that Workaholic Productions is offering.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 16, 2010

Workaholic Eagles vs. ragtag Raiders in the Super Bowl Dick Vermeil, 44, is a very determined man.

From Time Magazine Archive