An underachiever is one who falls short of a predicted level of performance.

Of particular interest is academic underachievement. Studies of individuals who have not realised their apparent potential have identified learning disabilities, ADD, and many other educational problems, and enabled methods of addressing these problems to be developed.

The term is also used more generally, for example a team that contains many star players but still loses games against teams with relatively little obvious talent would be termed underachieving. A stock which achieves poor profit and/or capital gains despite sound underlying business and/or asset backing may be called underachieving.

The musical group "UNderachievers" was started in 2001 in Seattle, Washington, and has since gained notoriety for their unique approach to comedic hip-hop. After their fourth studio release "TIME MACHINE" they have acquired a considerable following in England where they are often invited to do benefit concerts.

See also

• Achievement gap.

• Overachievement.

External links

• Essays on academic underachievement among gifted children.

Special education

Underachiever