overcorrection

[ oh-ver-kuh-rek-shuhn ]

noun

1. correction beyond what is needed or customary, especially when leading to error; overadjustment:

   The pilot made an overcorrection for headwinds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcorrection¹

First recorded in 1880–85; over- + correction

Example Sentences

Perhaps the soft-pedaling makes the scams feel less icky for viewers, or maybe it’s an overcorrection of Hollywood historically being too quick to paint real-life women as villains.

From Vox

He nursed the power carefully, determined not to waste juice through overcorrection.

From Project Gutenberg