overcompensate
An overcompensation is when someone tries too hard to prove themselves or make up for something that went wrong.
When people feel like they've done something wrong or need to impress others, they might start trying too hard. They overcompensate by doing things they wouldn't normally do, or being more friendly and outgoing than usual. This can be a problem if it becomes a habit, because then the person is just doing things for the wrong reasons – to cover up their own mistakes or insecurities. For example, someone who's made a mistake at work might try to overcompensate by taking on too much extra work or being overly aggressive in meetings.
How common is "overcompensate"?
Word overcompensate is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
verb
To do an excessive amount in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.
Real examples of "overcompensating" in context
