overconfidence

noun

over·con·fi·dence ˌō-vər-ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s

-ˌden(t)s

Synonyms of overconfidence next

: 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

Examples of overconfidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Similarly, the Titans’ record falls far short of the Texans’, but that could result in overconfidence. —

Bychris Morris, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024 Hollywood has always had an affinity for schemers and maybe that’s because show business is run by similar types: High on their own supply of overconfidence and fast-talking obfuscation. —

Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2024 That’s when overconfidence can lead to decisions that cause overreach. —

Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Drafting players involves a cesspool of uncertainty, overconfidence and unpredictability. —

Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overconfidence

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of overconfidence was in 1622

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overconfidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overconfidence. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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