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
David H. FreedmanExamples of overconfidence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stress or overconfidence distorts risk perception and influences decisions far more than spreadsheets.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine may lead to overconfidence and aggressive driving.
—Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
Confidence is critical, but overconfidence is a killer.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
This overconfidence manifests in workplace behavior.
—Tarun Galagali, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overconfidence
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Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine may lead to overconfidence and aggressive driving.
—Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
Confidence is critical, but overconfidence is a killer.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
This overconfidence manifests in workplace behavior.
—Tarun Galagali, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overconfidence
Cite this Entry
“Overconfidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overconfidence. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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