worktryhard

Worktryhard is a neologism formed by combining “work” with “tryhard” to describe a person who relentlessly pursues high levels of effort or productivity in professional or academic settings. The term can function as a noun (a worktryhard) or an adjective (worktryhard behavior) and is typically used in online discussions, social media, and productivity communities.

The term derives from “tryhard,” a slang term for someone who tries too hard, especially to win approval or success. The prefix “work” emphasizes the context. It emerged in internet culture in the 2010s–2020s, with usage in memes, threads about work ethic, and self-deprecating humor. Some users apply it self-referentially: “I’m a bit of a worktryhard.”

Connotations range from commendation of dedication to criticism of unhealthy work habits. In some communities, it is used neutrally or positively to praise discipline; in others it signals burnout risk or gatekeeping that equates productivity with virtue. It is often discussed alongside hustle culture and workaholism, and is sometimes contrasted with approaches emphasizing balance and sustainable routines.

Related terms include workaholic, hustle culture, grindset, and tryhard. A key distinction is that worktryhard focuses on the explicit setting of work tasks and visible effort, whereas broader “tryhard” describes effort across contexts.

Notable examples are typically online posts, memes, or threads rather than public figures; the term is used more to describe behavior than a person.