underachieve

Everyday

To underachieve is to do less well than you are able to, especially at school or work. tree →

In the lessons

A word used by teachers, parents and in school reports: «He is underachieving in maths». It tells the reader that a person could do better if they had more help, effort or interest. Person: an underachiever. Opposite: overachieve.

Examples

• The teacher said Sam was underachieving in reading. tree →
• Some clever children underachieve because they are bored. tree →
• The team underachieved this season. tree →
• She stopped underachieving once she got glasses. tree →
• Extra help can stop pupils underachieving. tree →
• He felt he had underachieved in the test. tree →

Note

Spelled as one word. Noun: underachievement; person: underachiever. Formal-ish school language; it is not the same as «failing» — it means doing less than you could.