overcompensation

noun

over·​com·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌō-vər-ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce overcompensation (audio)
-ˌpen-
: excessive compensation
specifically : excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling
overcompensate verb
overcompensatory adjective

Examples of overcompensation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This can lead to muscle imbalances or overcompensation. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 17 Jan. 2024 But all that is a relatively benign manifestation of overcompensation. Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023 As yet another addition to the always-assembling Avengers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Norse god could easily have become something of an afterthought, a ridiculous figure of overcompensation with his giant hammer, flowing Viking locks and bulging biceps. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 5 July 2022 And while Trump faces 37 counts of mishandling secret government documents, the overcompensation is certainly evident. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 14 June 2023 Team president Cam Neely retired in 1996, at age 31, partly because of hip ailments brought on by overcompensation from knee injuries. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Mar. 2023 That can lead to muscle imbalance, overcompensation, and injury. Women's Health, 7 Mar. 2023 In a tiny, subconscious way, my Ankara hand fan is overcompensation for those years of shame. Tomi Obaro, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2022 Rather, it’s built of tension, of bloody violence and of images of a snarling Crowe hunched angrily over the wheel of the sort of oversized pickup truck that basically screams overcompensation. Mike Scott, NOLA.com, 26 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overcompensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcompensation was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near overcompensation

Cite this Entry

“Overcompensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcompensation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

overcompensation

noun
over·​com·​pen·​sa·​tion -ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen- How to pronounce overcompensation (audio)
: excessive compensation
specifically : excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling
overcompensate verb
overcompensated; overcompensating
overcompensatory adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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