overeducated etymology

Etymology

The word "overeducated" is derived from the following sources:

  • Over: Prefix meaning "excessive" or "beyond the necessary amount"
  • Educate: Latin "educare," meaning "to lead out," "to bring up"

Meaning and Origin

The term "overeducated" emerged in the early 20th century to describe individuals who had acquired more formal education than was considered necessary or beneficial for their employment prospects.

The concept of overeducation gained prominence in the 1970s, when a growing number of college graduates struggled to find jobs that matched their level of education. This phenomenon was attributed to factors such as:

  • Mismatch between skills and job market: Colleges were producing graduates with skills that did not align with the demands of the job market.
  • Erosion of manufacturing jobs: The decline of manufacturing jobs in the United States meant fewer opportunities for college graduates with technical skills.
  • Increased automation: Automation reduced the demand for workers with routine tasks, leaving high-skilled workers underemployed.

Overeducation has become a global issue, affecting individuals in many countries with expanding higher education systems. It is seen as a problem because it can lead to:

  • Lower income: Overeducated workers may earn less than those with a lower level of education.
  • Job dissatisfaction: Individuals who are overeducated may be underemployed or employed in jobs that do not utilize their full potential.
  • Underemployment: Overeducation can lead to a situation where individuals are working in low-skilled jobs despite having higher qualifications.
  • Brain drain: Highly educated individuals may migrate to countries with better employment opportunities, leading to a loss of talent.

overeducated relate terms

  • educated

    Etymology The word educated is derived from the Latin word educatus the past partici

  • educate

    Etymology Latin educare e out ducere to lead Meaning To lead out

  • over

    Etymology The word over derives from the Middle English over which in turn stems fr

  • bust

    Etymology The word bust has two distinct etymologies depending on its meaning Meaning

  • reservoir

    Etymology French réservoir Late Latin reservatorium receptacle Latin reservare

  • disorder

    Etymology Middle English disordre Old French dësorde Latin disordo from dis apar

  • consternation

    Etymology The word consternation originated from the Latin word consternare which m

  • chimera

    Etymology Ancient Greek χίμαιρα chímaira from χίμαρος chímaros m

  • cousin

    Etymology The word cousin comes from the Old French word cosin which in turn is deri

  • fiction

    Etymology The word fiction derives from the Latin word fictio which means somethin

  • gazette

    Etymology and Origin The word gazette is derived from the Italian word gazzetta whi

  • prevail

    Etymology Origin Latin praevalere Literal meaning to be stronger Root prae

  • solicit

    Etymology From Middle English solliciten from Old French solliciter from Latin sollici