tryhard

Etymology

try + hard

noun

1. (informal, derogatory) A person usually of little talent who tries hard to succeed, especially through imitation, usually to gain fame or popularity.
2. (video games) A person who is perceived as putting too much effort into something recreational, such as a game.

verb

1. (intransitive, video games) To put perhaps too much effort into a recreational activity, typically a game.
   Tryhard like you’ve never tryharded before. If you don’t get called a tryhard in game, you’re not tryharding enough. OK, so maybe don’t go overboard but, if you want to take ranked seriously this season, be sure to start off on the right foot. 2018-01-16, Ryan Gilliam, “What should you expect your new rank to be?”, in The Rift Herald
   Some people view tryhards negatively since more casual players can get instantly overwhelmed by people in matchmaking that are hard-pressed to win rather than to just have fun. But that’s where an important distinction is being asked: is tryharding the same as simply trying to win. 2020-08-17, Alan Bernal, “Have tryhards ruined gaming? Viral video divides opinion”, in Dexerto
   If you’re looking to have fun while tryharding in One For All, you can’t go wrong with Malphite. April 1, 2022, “Best League of Legends champs to pick in One For All game mode”, in DotEsports