workaholic

[ wurk-uh-haw-lik, -hol-ik ]

noun

1. a person who works compulsively at the expense of other pursuits.

workaholic

/ ˌwɜːkəˈhɒlɪk /

noun

1. 1. a person obsessively addicted to work
   2. ( as modifier )

      workaholic behaviour

Other Words From

• worka·holism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of workaholic¹

First recorded in 1965–70; work + -aholic

Word History and Origins

Origin of workaholic¹

C20: from work + -holic , coined in 1971 by Wayne Oates, US author

Example Sentences

Frazzled housewives were a specialty: She was Richard Dreyfuss’ alarmed spouse in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” John Denver’s disbelieving wife in “Oh, God!” and a workaholic mother opposite Michael Keaton in “Mr. Mom.”

From Los Angeles Times

The workaholic Betts had thrown himself into relearning a position he last played regularly in high school by taking grounders before every game.

From Los Angeles Times

Idris Elba revealed that he’s in therapy to address being an ‘absolute workaholic’ and spoke on some of the ‘unhealthy habits’ he needs to work on.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s a workaholic, practicing in the morning and afternoon while trying to keep progressing.

From Los Angeles Times

Queen Camilla is an influential figure within the royal household and has referenced her husband’s “workaholic” mindset at several public engagements – even after his cancer diagnosis.

From BBC