underachieve

[ uhn-der-uh-cheev ]
/ ˌʌn dər əˈtʃiv /

verb (used without object), un·der·a·chieved, un·der·a·chiev·ing.

to perform, especially academically, below the potential indicated by tests of one's mental ability or aptitude.
to perform below expectations or achieve less than expected, especially by others.

Origin of underachieve

First recorded in 1950–55; under- + achieve

OTHER WORDS FROM underachieve

un·der·a·chieve·ment, noun

British Dictionary definitions for underachieve

underachieve
/ (ˌundərəˈtʃiːv) /

verb

(intr) to fail to achieve a performance appropriate to one's age or talents

Derived forms of underachieve

underachiever, noun underachievement, noun