overconfidence

[oh-ver-kon-fi-duhns]

noun

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overconfidence¹

over- ( def. ) + confidence ( def. )

Example Sentences

The main pluses humans have going for them are their overconfidence and yearning to manipulate anything and anyone they can for their own ends.

From Salon

When he’s in the safe space of right-wing media, Patel conducts himself with a brash overconfidence.

From Salon

After reviewing the recreation of the photo — the architects are still smiling this time, but their scrappy overconfidence feels eons away — Pildas wonders who the next generation will be, and how they will rise.

From Los Angeles Times

The seat then contained the Labour stronghold of Harlow, but an energetic campaign, coupled with the overconfidence of the sitting Labour MP, saw Tebbit victorious in 1970.

From BBC

With Ramsey standing at just over 5 feet tall, Ellie uses her size as an asset — combining nimbleness and reckless overconfidence to subdue much larger foes, people and infected alike.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cockiness 
• disrespect