highflier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumInformal to Semi-formal (common in business/HR contexts)
Quick answer
What does “highflier” mean?
A person who is extremely successful or who has the potential to achieve great success.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is extremely successful or who has the potential to achieve great success.
A person or thing that performs or operates at a very high level, especially one that is ambitious, promising, or conspicuously successful. Also can refer to a stock that has increased in value rapidly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English prefers the spelling 'highflier'. American English uses 'highflier' but 'highflyer' is also common. The meanings are identical.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. In business contexts, may imply someone being groomed for leadership or a 'fast-track' employee.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but well-understood in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “highflier” in a Sentence
[be/consider/regard as] a highflierhighflier in [field/company]highflier from [place/background]highflier with [quality]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “highflier” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The company has a highflier programme for its top talent.
- She's on a real highflier trajectory.
American English
- He's part of a highflier program for future executives.
- They targeted highflier stocks in the tech sector.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to an employee identified as having high potential for promotion and leadership (HiPo).
Academic
Can describe a student or researcher with exceptional talent and publication record.
Everyday
Used to describe someone exceptionally successful or ambitious in their field.
Technical
In finance, a stock that has risen sharply in price in a short time.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “highflier”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “highflier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highflier”
- Spelling: 'high flyer' (two words) is also acceptable but less common as a compound noun.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He highfliers' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'high achiever', which is more about consistent results, whereas 'highflier' implies speed and trajectory.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually yes, but it can sometimes imply over-ambition or a risky approach. Context is key.
Yes, particularly in finance (e.g., 'highflier stocks'). It can also metaphorically describe companies or projects.
A 'high achiever' consistently gets excellent results. A 'highflier' suggests rapid progress, high potential, and often a trajectory towards top positions, not just current achievement.
Both 'highflier' (one word) and 'high flyer' (two words) are accepted. The hyphenated form 'high-flier' is also seen. Dictionaries often list the one-word version first.
A person who is extremely successful or who has the potential to achieve great success.
Highflier is usually informal to semi-formal (common in business/hr contexts) in register.
Highflier: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪˈflaɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌflaɪ.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A highflier who crashes and burns.”
- “He's on the fast track, a real highflier.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pilot flying a plane VERY HIGH. A 'highflier' is someone whose career or success is flying very high.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS UP / A PERSON IS AN AIRCRAFT (soaring, flying high, taking off).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'highflier' LEAST likely to be used?