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# not working to her full potential

phrase (verb phrase: not working to her full potential, not working to his/their full potential)

«not working to her full potential» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, formal) lazy; not trying hard; doing much less than she could.
2. (literal) her results are lower than her abilities.

### In the lessons

Teachers use it in school reports and managers in job reviews to say a pupil or worker is lazy or careless without insulting them, and to say she is able to do better. Polite and formal register, all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- Emma is a bright girl but is not working to her full potential.
- «Not working to her full potential» — Mum knew that meant I'd been chatting in class.
- He is capable but not working to his full potential in science.
- The report says she's not working to her full potential — so, lazy.
- Our striker isn't playing to his full potential this season.
- With more effort, Sam could reach his full potential.

### Note

It has a hidden compliment (she is able) and a hidden criticism (she is not trying). Parents read it as «lazy» or «distracted». Plain words: lazy, not trying.