overconfidence

noun

over·​con·​fi·​dence ˌō-vər-ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 

-ˌden(t)s

: an excess of confidence (as in one's abilities or judgment) : confidence that is not justified

warned against overconfidence when investing

People tend to overestimate their skills behind the wheel and underestimate the skills of the boobs and psychopaths driving around them, a phenomenon that psychologists call "optimism bias" and the rest of us simply call delusional overconfidence.

—David H. Freedman

Examples of overconfidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If Garnacho’s problem is overconfidence, Gittens’ is the opposite. —Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026

Wroblewski’s biggest fear is overconfidence. —John Wawrow, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026

Somehow, my burgeoning overconfidence didn’t result in grievous injuries. —Andrew Fedorov, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

Errington has an endearing likability and a sense of mischief, but more aggressiveness and overconfidence would better suit the character. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconfidence

• confidence