midcourse correction

[ mid-kawrs kuh-rek-shuhn ]

noun

1. a navigational correction made in the course of a ship, airplane, missile, or spacecraft at some point between the beginning and end of the journey.
2. a correction or adjustment made in the middle of a course of events, course of action, etc.:

   If actual results begin to diverge from aspirations, that should trigger an in-depth review to explore whether a midcourse correction in strategy is needed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of midcourse correction¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Based on these changed facts, a midcourse correction is required — a different and tougher approach.

From Washington Times

Or something more like a midcourse correction?

From Washington Post

Or something more like a midcourse correction?

From Seattle Times

Legal experts say the department is likely to argue that the change in the census schedule was not a new policy, but more of a midcourse correction that was beyond judicial review.

From New York Times

In “Uprooted,” this powerful idea seems to prompt a midcourse correction, a choice that helps give Ms. Wong’s film its air of discovery.

From New York Times