midcourse correction

American  

[mid-kawrs kuh-rek-shuhn] / ˈmɪdˌkɔrs kəˈrɛk ʃən /

noun

1. a navigational correction made in the course of a ship, airplane, missile, or spacecraft at some point between the beginning and end of the journey.

2. a correction or adjustment made in the middle of a course of events, course of action, etc..

   If actual results begin to diverge from aspirations, that should trigger an in-depth review to explore whether a midcourse correction in strategy is needed.

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Etymology

Origin of midcourse correction

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Based on these changed facts, a midcourse correction is required — a different and tougher approach.

From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Just as Mariner 4 had fired its thrusters to make midcourse corrections to its Mars-bound trajectory, I was ready for a midcourse correction in my career.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2014

Call it a midlife crisis, or perhaps a midcourse correction, but it was now or never.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2012

Says Pike: "This should provide an opportunity for a midcourse correction."

From Time Magazine Archive

But the last-minute midcourse correction was too small.

From Time Magazine Archive