Word
hyperactive
Phoneticshy·per·ac·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌhaɪpɝˈæktɪv/
UK/hˌaɪpəɹˈæktɪv/
Psychology
Definition
adj. describing someone who is extremely active and has a lot of energy. It is often used to talk about children who find it hard to sit still or focus.
adj. characterised by an abnormally high level of physical or mental activity. Often used to describe children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or to describe a person's current state of restlessness.
Examples
“The hyperactive child could not sit still during the movie.”
“After drinking three cups of coffee, he became hyperactive and started pacing the room.”
“The hyperactive economy of the late nineties saw a massive influx of venture capital into the tech sector, eventually leading to a speculative bubble.”
Examples
simple
“The hyperactive child could not sit still during the movie.”
contextual
“After drinking three cups of coffee, he became hyperactive and started pacing the room.”
complex
“The hyperactive economy of the late nineties saw a massive influx of venture capital into the tech sector, eventually leading to a speculative bubble.”
Real-World Examples
“In his early days at the calypso venues, older singers ribbed Francisco for his unusually hyperactive movements around the stage, which they said made him look “like a little sparrow”.” “It was a Friday afternoon, and her husband had gone outside to make a phone call – concerned about his wife’s “hyperactive” speech.” Etymology
From hyper- + active.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/hyperactive