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

Every generation faces a new wave of technological disruption and responds with the same blend of overconfidence, short-termism, and reluctance to let go of what’s working. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

How many times over two decades have the Canes been tripped up by teams with lesser talent, due to overconfidence and myriad other reasons? —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

The overconfidence of the pro-Trump push in country music pre- and postelection is backfiring on many of its most enthusiastic emissaries. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026

By April 5, the sun will square Jupiter, heightening everything from overconfidence to emotional reactions. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconfidence

• confidence