overcautious

[ oh-ver-kaw-shuhs ]

adjective

1. excessively or unnecessarily cautious:

   Sometimes it doesn't pay to be overcautious in business.

Other Words From

• over·cautious·ly adverb
• over·cautious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcautious¹

First recorded in 1700–10; over- + cautious

Example Sentences

It’s far, far, far better to be overcautious here than under.

From Washington Post

Several of Mr. Biden’s aides who served in the Obama administration said they were overcautious the last time, fearing that the protesters would be tarred as instigators linked to the C.I.A.

From New York Times

And because our bodies would much rather we be overcautious, our recollections of agony are often exaggerated.

From Washington Post

“I think it’s overcautious, but I see where they are coming from,” said Mike Levay, 25, a digital properties manager in Philadelphia who was walking through the city’s main Amtrak station on Monday morning.

From New York Times

We tend to be an overcautious and, therefore, dull group in such settings.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• cautious
• circumspect
• reserved
• restrained