'workaholism' originates from English, specifically the word 'workaholic,' where 'work' meant 'to engage in physical or mental activity' and '-holic' is a suffix indicating addiction.

'workaholic' transformed from the English word 'alcoholic,' and eventually became the modern English word 'workaholism' through analogy.

Initially, it meant 'addiction to work,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.