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

These could be any situation or condition that could be exploited by others for reasons such as overconfidence, a lack of preparedness or a lack of adaptability. —Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Pimco similarly believes a balanced, diversified allocation is one of the simplest ways to overcome behavioral biases, such as recency, overconfidence or fear and greed. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025

Having overconfidence is that buffer that stops you from learning from other people. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025

Fear during downturns may push you to sell at a loss, while overconfidence in bull markets can tempt you into excessive risks. —Christian Binger, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconfidence

• confidence