underachiever

noun

un·​der·​achiev·​er ˌən-dər-ə-ˈchē-vər 

: one (such as a student) that fails to attain a predicted level of achievement or does not do as well as expected

underachieve

ˌən-dər-ə-ˈchēv 

intransitive verb

underachievement

ˌən-dər-ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

noun

Examples of underachiever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In general, the brand has been somewhat of an underachiever in terms of its revenue contribution to Nike over the years. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Especially given the turmoil with the other edge rushers, eyes are focused on seeing if Murphy looks like the same underachiever from the first two years or a blossoming athletic specimen. —Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025

On the other side, some health-care underachievers like Bristol Myers and Danaher are finally bouncing after their rough couple of months. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 July 2025

How did this guy turn out to be such an underachiever and such an awkward father? —Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underachiever

• achiever
• believer
• deceiver
• perceiver
• receiver
• reliever
• retriever
• transceiver
• cleaver
• fever
• leaver
• weaver

Kids Definition

underachiever

noun

un·​der·​achiev·​er ˌən-də-rə-ˈchē-vər 

: one (as a student) that fails to do as well as expected

Medical Definition

underachiever

noun

un·​der·​achiev·​er ˌən-dər-ə-ˈchē-vər 

: a person (as a student) who fails to attain a predicted level of achievement or does not do as well as expected

underachieve

-ˈchēv

intransitive verb

underachieved; underachieving

underachievement

-mənt 

noun