Workaholic: Definition, Usage & Related Words

Meaning 1：someone addicted to work (workaholic)

workaholic 🔊

/ˌwɜːrkəˈhɒlɪk/

A person who works a lot, even when not needed, and finds it hard to stop, like an addiction.

Workaholic definition illustrated by exhausted person working late at night in empty office

someone addicted to work 🔊

➕

/ˈsʌmwʌn əˈdɪktɪd tu wɜːrk/

A person who is compulsively dedicated to their work, often to the detriment of their personal life, health, or leisure time.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Blend of 'work' + '-aholic' (from 'alcoholic'), meaning one addicted to work.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'Workaholic' who needs to 'Work ALL Hours'—the word itself contains 'work' and 'aholic' (like alcoholic).

📖 Example

Even on weekends, my dad is glued to his laptop; everyone says he's a workaholic who never truly switches off. 🔊 Even on weekends, my dad is glued to his laptop; everyone says he's a workaholic who never truly switches off.

🔗 Collocations

workaholic culture – a corporate or social environment that encourages or normalizes excessive work

workaholic tendencies – showing signs or behaviors characteristic of a workaholic

workaholic lifestyle – a way of life dominated by work with little time for other activities

🔄 Synonyms

workhorse (n.) – A person who works tirelessly and is relied upon for hard work.

hard worker (n.) – Someone who puts a lot of effort into their job, but not necessarily to an unhealthy degree.

busy bee (n.) – An informal term for a very active and industrious person.

🚫 Antonyms

slacker (n.) – A person who avoids work or effort.

idler (n.) – Someone who spends time doing nothing or being lazy.

clock-watcher (n.) – An employee who is keenly aware of the time, waiting for the workday to end.

🌱 Derivatives

workaholism (n.) – The behavior or condition of being a workaholic; addiction to work.

📖 Cultural Story

Coined in the 1960s, blending 'work' with '-aholic' from 'alcoholic'. It reflects modern attitudes toward excessive work, often linked to corporate culture and the rise of professional dedication as a potential social issue.