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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oversteer

This includes losing more power on straights than expected after a snap of oversteer because of the settings imposed on the engines.

From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2026

In Leclerc's case, he was taken off track by a snap of oversteer as he was racing side by side with Lewis Hamilton on the exit of Turn One.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2025

A snap of oversteer sent him even higher than the normal high line there, and he could not avoid the end of the barrier on the exit of the corner.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2025

Verstappen was overtaken by Hamilton at Turn One, and lost out to Hulkenberg and then Gasly after two oversteer snaps through Turn Two and then Turn Four.

From BBC ● Nov. 30, 2024

The Dutchman has to cut across the grass at Turn 14 after his Red Bull struggles with oversteer and the gusty conditions.

From BBC ● May 16, 2024

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