Overcompensate
verb
To do too much or try too hard to correct a fault or mistake.
He tends to overcompensate for his lack of height by being overly assertive.
Often appears as...
- tend to overcompensate
- overcompensate for lack
verb
To compensate an employee or executive excessively.
Some entrepreneurs overcompensate their key executives to maintain their loyalty.
Often appears as...
- overcompensate employees
- overcompensate executives
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
To compensate for a physical or psychological disorder excessively.
The deaf ear may overcompensate by improving the hearing ability of the other ear.
Often appears as...
- overcompensate disorders
- overcompensate for disabilities
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
To do too much or try too hard to correct a fault or mistake.
He tends to overcompensate for his lack of height by being overly assertive.
Often appears as...
- tend to overcompensate
- overcompensate for lack
verb
To compensate an employee or executive excessively.
Some entrepreneurs overcompensate their key executives to maintain their loyalty.
Often appears as...
- overcompensate employees
- overcompensate executives
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
To compensate for a physical or psychological disorder excessively.
The deaf ear may overcompensate by improving the hearing ability of the other ear.
Often appears as...
- overcompensate disorders
- overcompensate for disabilities
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Implications
Using 'overcompensate' may suggest someone is insecure or has self-doubt about something.
She often speaks loudly to overcompensate for feeling ignored as a child.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Overcompensate' typically implies trying too hard in a way that might be unhelpful or make things worse.
After messing up the presentation, Joe overcompensated by emailing everyone daily updates.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Visible
Overcompensation can be an internal process, not always seen by others.
Though appearing calm, she's overcompensating internally for her nerves.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Implications
Using 'overcompensate' may suggest someone is insecure or has self-doubt about something.
She often speaks loudly to overcompensate for feeling ignored as a child.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Overcompensate' typically implies trying too hard in a way that might be unhelpful or make things worse.
After messing up the presentation, Joe overcompensated by emailing everyone daily updates.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Visible
Overcompensation can be an internal process, not always seen by others.
Though appearing calm, she's overcompensating internally for her nerves.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Implications
Using 'overcompensate' may suggest someone is insecure or has self-doubt about something.
She often speaks loudly to overcompensate for feeling ignored as a child.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Overcompensate' typically implies trying too hard in a way that might be unhelpful or make things worse.
After messing up the presentation, Joe overcompensated by emailing everyone daily updates.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Visible
Overcompensation can be an internal process, not always seen by others.
Though appearing calm, she's overcompensating internally for her nerves.
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Video examples
How rollercoasters...
ride designers were most concerned with coasters getting stuck somewhere along the track. This led early builders to overcompensate, hurling trains down hills and pulling on the brakes when they reached the station. But as gravity affects the cars, it also affects the passengers. And under the intense conditions of a coaster,
Video examples
A highly scientific...
They are a minority, but they overcompensate by being extra loud. They have the Napoleon complex of demographics, and yes, some of the men do wear heels. As a social justice comedian, it's my goal to convert these haters,
Video examples
How rollercoasters...
ride designers were most concerned with coasters getting stuck somewhere along the track. This led early builders to overcompensate, hurling trains down hills and pulling on the brakes when they reached the station. But as gravity affects the cars, it also affects the passengers. And under the intense conditions of a coaster,
Video examples
A highly scientific...
They are a minority, but they overcompensate by being extra loud. They have the Napoleon complex of demographics, and yes, some of the men do wear heels. As a social justice comedian, it's my goal to convert these haters,
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Simon Van Booy
British Writer
As a single parent, I had become tyrannical in order to survive, and anything I couldn't control caused me enormous anxiety. As a naturally untidy, disorganised man who never made lists or kept receipts, morphing into someone who could take care of a toddler on his own may have caused me to overcompensate a little.
Quote examples
Paul Rudd
American Actor
My parents raised me to treat people the way you would want to be treated and to be polite. Sometimes, when I get nervous or insecure, I might overcompensate and might not be totally true to what I am feeling inside. But I get nervous and maybe too smiley and polite.
Quote examples
Lindsay Pearce
American Actress
The funny thing is I'm actually really insecure. I have a lot of girl issues - 'I'm not pretty enough,' 'I'm not skinny enough' - but there is a confidence I have in what I can do. I did tend to overcompensate to cover up other insecurities that I have.
Quote examples
Shakti Gawain
Author
We may overcompensate for our feelings of powerlessness by attempting to control and manipulate other people and our environment. Or we may eventually burst forth with uncontrolled rage that is highly exaggerated and distorted by its long suppression.
Quote examples
Serena Williams
American Tennis Player
I'm an athlete and I'm black, and a lot of black athletes go broke. I do not want to become a statistic, so maybe I overcompensate. But I'm paranoid. Oprah told me a long time ago, 'You sign every check. Never let anyone sign any checks.
Quote examples
Jonathan Ames
American Author
A lot of writers, probably because they're sensitive, which makes them want to be writers, have fears about their masculinity, so they overcompensate by having an interest in boxing and tough-guy things.
Quote examples
Rebecca Ferguson
British Musician
You always have guilt as a working mum, and you overcompensate by buying them loads of things. That was what I was doing, anyway. I've kind of realised now that I'm the best mum that I can be.
Quote examples
Kyle Hill
American Author
When we overestimate the benefits of exercise, underestimate how many calories we eat, and overcompensate for a job well done, exercise is really a false protection from fattening food.
Quote examples
Sonam Kapoor
Indian Actress
No relationship works without making an effort. That goes without saying. But you should never overcompensate.
Quote examples
Joel Fuhrman
American Scientist
If you want ideal health, you need to overcompensate and eat an excellent diet.
Quote examples
Simon Van Booy
British Writer
As a single parent, I had become tyrannical in order to survive, and anything I couldn't control caused me enormous anxiety. As a naturally untidy, disorganised man who never made lists or kept receipts, morphing into someone who could take care of a toddler on his own may have caused me to overcompensate a little.
Quote examples
Paul Rudd
American Actor
My parents raised me to treat people the way you would want to be treated and to be polite. Sometimes, when I get nervous or insecure, I might overcompensate and might not be totally true to what I am feeling inside. But I get nervous and maybe too smiley and polite.
Quote examples
Lindsay Pearce
American Actress
The funny thing is I'm actually really insecure. I have a lot of girl issues - 'I'm not pretty enough,' 'I'm not skinny enough' - but there is a confidence I have in what I can do. I did tend to overcompensate to cover up other insecurities that I have.
Quote examples
Shakti Gawain
Author
We may overcompensate for our feelings of powerlessness by attempting to control and manipulate other people and our environment. Or we may eventually burst forth with uncontrolled rage that is highly exaggerated and distorted by its long suppression.
Quote examples
Serena Williams
American Tennis Player
I'm an athlete and I'm black, and a lot of black athletes go broke. I do not want to become a statistic, so maybe I overcompensate. But I'm paranoid. Oprah told me a long time ago, 'You sign every check. Never let anyone sign any checks.
Quote examples
Jonathan Ames
American Author
A lot of writers, probably because they're sensitive, which makes them want to be writers, have fears about their masculinity, so they overcompensate by having an interest in boxing and tough-guy things.
Quote examples
Rebecca Ferguson
British Musician
You always have guilt as a working mum, and you overcompensate by buying them loads of things. That was what I was doing, anyway. I've kind of realised now that I'm the best mum that I can be.
Quote examples
Kyle Hill
American Author
When we overestimate the benefits of exercise, underestimate how many calories we eat, and overcompensate for a job well done, exercise is really a false protection from fattening food.
Quote examples
Sonam Kapoor
Indian Actress
No relationship works without making an effort. That goes without saying. But you should never overcompensate.
Quote examples
Joel Fuhrman
American Scientist
If you want ideal health, you need to overcompensate and eat an excellent diet.
Example 1 of 10
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