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

How he showed Major League Baseball that Latinos could be superstars instead of just fiery-tempered underachievers.

From Los Angeles Times

Baker: When the Vancouver Canucks went from perennial underachievers to possible division champs under a new coach.

From Seattle Times

U.S. employers continued hiring new workers at a brisk pace last month, providing fresh evidence that the overall economy remains sturdy, but the new data showed that California is still looking like an underachiever.

From Los Angeles Times

Chargers have long been considered the NFL’s version of the Clippers…wildly talented underachievers.

From Los Angeles Times

Orange County was aspirational, and if you couldn’t afford to hack it here, good riddance and don’t forget to take along other underachievers like you.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disappointment