Underachiever
Meaning: A person who doesn't perform to their full potential, especially academically or professionally.
An underachiever has the ability to succeed but doesn't apply themselves. In American culture, it's often used by parents and teachers about smart kids who get mediocre grades due to laziness or lack of motivation. Bart Simpson famously declared himself a 'proud underachiever.'
Examples
- He's smart but he's a total underachiever — barely passes his classes. 他很聪明,但完全是个不求上进的人——课都是勉强及格。Es listo, pero es un auténtico vago: apenas aprueba las asignaturas.彼は頭がいいのに完全なアンダーアチーバーだ――授業をかろうじてパスしている程度だ。그는 머리가 좋은데 완전 underachiever(노력 안 하는 사람)야——수업을 간신히 통과하는 수준이야.
- My report card always said the same thing: bright student, chronic underachiever. 我的成绩单上总是写着同样的话:聪明的学生,长期不求上进。Mi boletín de notas siempre decía lo mismo: alumno brillante, vago crónico.通知表にはいつも同じことが書いてあった:頭のいい生徒だが、慢性的なアンダーアチーバー。성적표에는 항상 같은 말이 적혀 있었다: 똑똑한 학생이지만 만성적으로 노력하지 않음.
- Don't be an underachiever — you have too much potential to waste. 不要做一个不求上进的人——你有太多潜力不该浪费。No seas un vago: tienes demasiado potencial como para desperdiciarlo.アンダーアチーバーになるな――無駄にするにはもったいない才能があるんだから。노력 안 하는 사람이 되지 마——낭비하기엔 너무 아까운 재능이 있잖아.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: school, parenting, potential
Tone: disappointed, frustrated
✓ Do Say
- He's the classic underachiever.他是典型的不求上进的人。Es el típico que no rinde lo que puede.彼は典型的なアンダーアチーバーだ。그는 전형적인 underachiever야.
- Stop being an underachiever and apply yourself.别再混日子了,认真点。Deja de rendir por debajo de tu nivel y ponte las pilas.サボるのはやめて、本気を出せよ。노력 안 하는 짓 좀 그만하고 열심히 해봐.
✗ Don't Say
- Can be hurtful — some people struggle with issues that look like underachievement from outside这个词可能会伤人——有些人在面对的困境从外面看起来像是不求上进Puede resultar hiriente: algunas personas luchan con problemas que desde fuera parecen falta de rendimiento傷つけることがある――外からはアンダーアチーブメントに見えても、本人は内面的な問題を抱えている場合がある상처가 될 수 있다 — 겉으로는 노력 안 하는 것처럼 보여도 실제로는 다른 문제로 힘들어하는 사람도 있다
Origin & History
American psychology and education term from the 1950s. Became part of popular culture through The Simpsons in the 1990s, when Bart Simpson proudly wore an 'Underachiever And Proud Of It' T-shirt.
Cultural Context
Era: 1950s, popularized 1990s
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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