overcompensation
noun
over·com·pen·sa·tion
ˌō-vər-ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən 
-ˌpen-
: excessive compensation
specifically
: excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling
Examples of overcompensation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This can lead to muscle imbalances or overcompensation.
—
Jenny McCoy, SELF, 17 Jan. 2024
But all that is a relatively benign manifestation of overcompensation.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023
As yet another addition to the always-assembling Avengers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Norse god could easily have become something of an afterthought, a ridiculous figure of overcompensation with his giant hammer, flowing Viking locks and bulging biceps.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 5 July 2022
And while Trump faces 37 counts of mishandling secret government documents, the overcompensation is certainly evident.
—Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 14 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for overcompensation 
Jenny McCoy, SELF, 17 Jan. 2024
But all that is a relatively benign manifestation of overcompensation.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023
As yet another addition to the always-assembling Avengers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Norse god could easily have become something of an afterthought, a ridiculous figure of overcompensation with his giant hammer, flowing Viking locks and bulging biceps.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 5 July 2022
And while Trump faces 37 counts of mishandling secret government documents, the overcompensation is certainly evident.
—Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 14 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for overcompensation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overcompensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Overcompensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcompensation. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
overcompensation
noun
over·com·pen·sa·tion
-ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-
: excessive compensation
specifically
: excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling
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