overconfidence

[ oh-ver-kon-fi-duhns ]

/ ˈoʊ vərˈkɒn fɪ dəns /

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See synonyms for overconfidence on Thesaurus.com

noun

the quality of having an unrealistically high opinion of one’s own judgment, ability, powers, etc.:Underestimating the enemy can induce laziness and encourage overconfidence.Psychologists have determined that overconfidence causes people to overestimate their ability to control events and underestimate risks.

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Origin of overconfidence

over- + confidence

Words nearby overconfidence

overcomer, overcommit, overcompensate, overcompensation, overcomplex, overconfidence, overconfident, overconsumption, overcook, overcorrection, overcritical

How to use overconfidence in a sentence

We were struck by the parallels between overconfident polls and overconfidence in human judgment.
Polls are overconfident, just like people|Don Moore|November 12, 2020|Quartz
The trouble comes from overconfidence in their effectiveness.
Kids Eat the Darndest Things: Laundry Pods, Teething Necklaces, and More Of The Weirdest Stuff Sending Kids to the E.R.|Russell Saunders|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It seems like overconfidence is one of the big targets of Thinking, Fast and Slow.
Daniel Kahneman’s Gripe With Behavioral Economics|Jesse Singal|April 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Those fresh-faced, freshly minted millionaires are now paying the price for that overconfidence.
How Joining Facebook Is Hurting Instagram|Alex Klein|August 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Anderson pointed out that despite the dangers of overconfidence, it does makes some sense to follow confident people in general.
Why Pundits Keep Making (Often Wrong) Presidential Predictions|Jesse Singal|August 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
These developments certainly point to a rising sense of confidence, perhaps even overconfidence, among the Chinese.
The Next Art Bubble|Vikram Mansharamani|April 13, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Cain was the kind who would try such a crazy stunt, alone, with such supreme overconfidence in his own muscle power.
The Women-Stealers of Thrayx|Fox B. Holden
The fatal overconfidence in the backwoods county was settled upon as the cause of the disaster.
Sons and Fathers|Harry Stillwell Edwards
I am not ashamed to confess that I cried over the loss of this poor little victim of overconfidence in human beings.
Bidwell's Travels, from Wall Street to London Prison|Austin Biron Bidwell
But that gentleman spoiled it all by his own overconfidence.
Duffels|Edward Eggleston
Neglect of this or overconfidence has caused many disasters.
Nautical Charts|G. R. Putnam