What does workaholism mean?
Workaholism is an uncountable noun denoting a compulsive or excessive tendency to work. It describes a pattern in which work becomes difficult to stop and takes priority over rest, health, relationships, and other responsibilities. The word can refer to an individual's behavior or, more broadly, to a workplace culture that treats excessive commitment as a virtue. Its connotations are generally unfavorable: unlike ordinary diligence or ambition, workaholism suggests an unhealthy compulsion that may contribute to stress, burnout, or strained relationships. The related adjective and noun “workaholic” describe a person who works compulsively. Workaholism is especially useful in discussions of workplace psychology, occupational stress, burnout, and work-life balance. The expression follows a productive analogy with alcoholism, framing excessive work as a condition that can become difficult to control, although it is also sometimes used more loosely as a critical label for people who simply devote very long hours to their jobs.
nounWorkaholism is a compulsive or excessive tendency to work, characterized by difficulty stopping work and by prioritizing it excessively over rest, relationships, or other responsibilities.
- A compulsive or excessive tendency to work, especially when work is prioritized over rest, health, relationships, or other aspects of life.
"Her workaholism left her with a successful career but little time for her family."
"The company recognized the signs of workaholism among employees who rarely took leave."
"In the novel, the architect's ambition gradually developed into workaholism and isolation."
Rare and usually unnecessary. “Workaholism” is normally uncountable, but the plural can distinguish separate instances or types of the condition.
"The study compared different forms of workaholism in high-pressure professions."
Workaholism is the point where a strong work ethic becomes a compulsion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of workaholism
Workaholism is a 20th-century English formation modeled on “alcoholic,” using “work” as the base and the suffix “-ism” to form a noun naming a condition or practice. “Workaholic” was developed in the same productive pattern, and “alcoholism” is the most familiar model for both forms. The term reflects an older tendency in English to characterize compulsive attachment to an activity by analogy with dependence on alcohol.
Related word forms
How workaholism is actually used
Usually uncountable, although plural forms are occasionally used when referring to separate instances or types of workaholism. The term is often critical or clinical in tone, implying that working has become compulsive rather than simply demanding or admirable.
Easily confused with workaholism
Workaholism names the compulsive behavior or condition, whereas a workaholic is the person characterized by it.