Everest syndrome

noun

The tendency of academic researchers to study things merely because they exist to be studied, regardless of the usefulness of the research.

Meanings

nounEverest syndrome (uncountable)

alternative Mount Everest syndrome · alternative Mt. Everest syndrome

  1. uncountableThe tendency of academic researchers to study things merely because they exist to be studied, regardless of the usefulness of the research.
    1 more example

    Maddux says further that there is an Everest Syndrome in educational computing and that there are those who "believe that computers should be brought into educational settings simply because they are there.⁹³ The result of the Everest Syndrome, according to Maddux "is an improper emphasis on computer hardware, and a consequent underemphasis on other, frequently more powerful variables affecting the computer."

    1990, Paul Saettler, The Evolution of American Educational Technology, Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, →ISBN, page 490

Origin

In reference to George Mallory's alleged reply when asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest: "Because it's there."

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Everest syndrome. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Everest%20syndrome

MLA

“Everest syndrome.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Everest%20syndrome. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Everest syndrome,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Everest%20syndrome.

Source: Everest syndrome on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.