overconfidence
noun
over·con·fi·dence
ˌō-vər-ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 
-ˌden(t)s
: an excess of confidence (as in one's abilities or judgment) : confidence that is not justified
warned against overconfidence when investing
People tend to overestimate their skills behind the wheel and underestimate the skills of the boobs and psychopaths driving around them, a phenomenon that psychologists call "optimism bias" and the rest of us simply call delusional overconfidence.—
David H. Freedman
David H. FreedmanExamples of overconfidence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On race day, mulish overconfidence fueled me through all 13 icy miles.
—Amy X. Wang, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
While 75% of companies report having a dedicated AI strategy, over 90% of business leaders rank themselves in the top tier for AI knowledge—a possible red flag indicating overconfidence in an area where precise expertise is crucial.
—Quora, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Some critics, including those among the media and fan base, have suggested Ballard’s belief in his players is tainted by overconfidence in his own evaluations.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 25 July 2024
That arrogance and overconfidence lead to hubris, which clouds their ability to see things clearly.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2024
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Amy X. Wang, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
While 75% of companies report having a dedicated AI strategy, over 90% of business leaders rank themselves in the top tier for AI knowledge—a possible red flag indicating overconfidence in an area where precise expertise is crucial.
—Quora, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Some critics, including those among the media and fan base, have suggested Ballard’s belief in his players is tainted by overconfidence in his own evaluations.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 25 July 2024
That arrogance and overconfidence lead to hubris, which clouds their ability to see things clearly.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overconfidence
Dictionary Entries Near overconfidence
Cite this Entry
“Overconfidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overconfidence. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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