Consistently attaining demanding goals or strong measured results.
Reach for it when describing a record of accomplishment without assuming worth depends on performance
The high-achieving student also made time to tutor new classmates.
| playful | |
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| everyday | |
| professional |
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| formal |
playful
go-getting
Fits when energetic initiative should sound informal and upbeat
Careful The phrase prizes hustle and may misrepresent reflective, sustainable success.
everyday
Fits when strong internal ambition explains the person's pace
Careful Drive concerns motivation and can exist before any achievement.
everyday
Fits when the outcomes matter more than rank or intensity
Careful Success can mean meeting a modest personal goal rather than outperforming expectations.
professional
Fits when developed skill and a substantial record deserve emphasis
Careful Accomplished describes attained mastery, not a continuing pattern of high results.
professional
Fits when current results against a defined standard are the focus
Careful High-performing is common for teams and systems and can sound mechanical for a child.
formal
Fits when recognition and an exceptional record suit ceremonial praise
Careful Distinguished can rest on reputation or service rather than measurable achievement.
high-achieving student
A high-achieving student may still need permission to rest.
high-achieving team
The high-achieving team paired ambitious targets with careful peer review.
high-achieving culture
Their high-achieving culture rewards learning as well as results.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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