underachieve
/ˌʌndərəˈtʃiːv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndərəˈtʃiːv/ (ame, ipa)
underachieve — verb
- underachievepresent simple I / you / we / they
- underachieveshe / she / it
- underachievedpast simple
- underachieving-ing form
1. to get weaker results than your real ability should allow, especially in study,
to get weaker results than your real ability should allow, especially in study, tests, or other judged performance.
Even with extra tutoring, Nora underachieved in maths because she rarely finished homework.
underachieve in + subject
Christopher tends to underachieve when he stops revising and relies on luck.
underachieve when effort drops
The whole class underachieved on the science test after the heating failed.
Although Lara trained hard, nerves made her underachieve at the regional swim meet.
In classes that repeat old material for weeks, gifted students may underachieve out of boredom.
- underperform
broader and common in business or sport, not only in school contexts
- fall short
focuses on missing a target, not specifically on unused ability
- disappoint
describes the result's effect on other people rather than the weak performance itself
- excel
means performing extremely well, often above the usual standard
- thrive
stresses growing strongly or doing very well in a situation
- fulfil your potential
emphasises reaching the level your ability makes possible
文法句型
underachieve in + subject/role
underachieve on + exam/task
underachieve at + event/competition
用法筆記
Often used when someone's marks or results stay below what teachers, coaches, or the person themselves know they are capable of. It usually suggests missed potential, not simply one bad mistake.