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

Relying on annual reviews or outdated risk models is a strong sign of overconfidence. —Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Girl Climber also does not shy away from vulnerability; Harrington grieves her failures openly and carries no air of defensiveness or overconfidence. —Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 29 May 2025

Leaders trained in mental discipline are less likely to fall prey to confirmation bias or overconfidence. —Gamini Hewawasam, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Trump’s former Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, warns that while the U.S. has achieved notable progress in trade negotiations, overconfidence could lead American negotiators to push too hard for concessions foreign governments cannot make. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconfidence

• confidence