PsychologyJuly 4, 2026

workaholic

/ˌwɜːrkəˈhɒlɪk/

Definition

A person who compulsively works to an excessive degree, often at the expense of personal well-being or balanced relationships.

Etymology

The word is a 20th-century blend of 'work' and 'alcoholic'. It follows the pattern of using the suffix '-aholic' to denote an obsessive or compulsive dependency on a specific activity or substance.

In the news

The term is listed as a related topic, highlighting the cultural pressure to prioritize individual achievement and work over personal connections and community well-being. It serves as a warning of the risks inherent in the society of 'I' that the article critiques.

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