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

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

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

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

Having said that, Mexico was not Colapinto’s best race - he struggled in qualifying with oversteer and was quite a lot slower than team-mate Alex Albon, for the first time since his debut in Monza.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2024

Verstappen complained about his car suffering from oversteer early in the session, but he still had time to bring memories of the last time a monitor lizard was seen on track at Singapore.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2023