overconfidence

[ oh-ver-kon-fi-duhns ]

noun

1. the quality of having an unrealistically high opinion of one’s own judgment, ability, powers, etc.:

   Underestimating the enemy can induce laziness and encourage overconfidence.

   Psychologists have determined that overconfidence causes people to overestimate their ability to control events and underestimate risks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overconfidence¹

over- ( def ) + confidence ( def )

Example Sentences

Now, from other people, you can take that as overconfidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Each party floods into power in a state of simultaneous overconfidence in its policy mandate and panic that its hold on power will be short-lived.

From Los Angeles Times

But they’ might have to battle overconfidence going up against what’s supposedly a far lesser team than the one they just beat.

From Los Angeles Times

When someone else’s behavior seems truly inexplicable or evil, even, I can pinpoint, “Oh, that is just overconfidence bias at play” in the same way that I noticed overconfidence bias in my own behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

He also detected some spots where overconfidence — or wind gusts — could take drivers for a wild ride into the concrete walls.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cockiness
• disrespect