oversteer

American  

[oh-ver-steer, oh-ver-steer] / ˈoʊ vərˌstɪər, ˌoʊ vərˈstɪər /

noun

1. handling of an automotive vehicle that causes turns that are sharper than the driver intends because the rear wheels slide to the outside of the turn before the front wheels lose traction.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of an automotive vehicle) to undergo or handle with an oversteer, especially excessively.

oversteer British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈstɪə /

verb

1. (of a vehicle) to turn more sharply, for a particular turn of the steering wheel, than is desirable or anticipated

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noun

1. the tendency of a vehicle to oversteer

Etymology

Origin of oversteer

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + steer ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oversteer

The closest to an incident was Liam Lawson running a little wide after a big oversteer moment at Stavelot early in the session.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Hamilton was first to retire from the race, crashing into the wall from seventh position following a moment of oversteer at Turn Three when light rain was falling on the track.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2025

"A little bit more oversteer in the high speed. Could have given it all to charity, you know?"

From BBC ● May 31, 2025

The car bounced over the kerb at the second apex of the chicane, which flicked the car into an oversteer and Norris slid into the gravel.

From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2025

They struggled to solve their mid-corner, slow-speed understeer without creating oversteer in the fast corners.

From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2025