overshoot

verb

over·​shoot ˌō-vər-ˈshüt 

overshot ˌō-vər-ˈshät  ; overshooting

transitive verb

1

: to pass swiftly beyond

2

: to shoot or pass over or beyond so as to miss

overshoot

ˈō-vər-ˌshüt 

noun

Synonyms of overshoot

• exceed
• surpass

Examples of overshoot in a Sentence

The plane overshot the runway.

Sometimes we overshoot our time limits.

Recent Examples on the Web

If clean energy is not deployed at scale where demand is growing fastest, global emissions trajectories will overshoot every target, no matter how rapidly the Global North decarbonizes its own economies. —Damilola Ogunbiyi, Time, 19 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, in attempting to give Grace an even bigger, badder, darker villain to face this time, the film overshoots its mark, raising the specter of domestic violence in ways that feel just slightly too plausible to fit with the film’s otherwise cartoonish gore. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Mar. 2026

Sri-Kumar, whose firm provides macroeconomic consulting, thinks stocks could overshoot to the downside by 15% to 20% before traders step in to scoop up oversold names. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

An overshooting top occurs when a cluster of clouds pushes through the anvil and reaches the lower stratosphere. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overshoot

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

overshoot

verb

over·​shoot ˌō-vər-ˈshüt 

overshot -ˈshät  ; overshooting

1

: to miss by going beyond

the plane overshot the runway

2

: to shoot over or beyond

overshot the target

Medical Definition

overshoot

noun

over·​shoot ˈō-vər-ˌshüt 

: a rapid change in electrical potential and reversal of polarity that occurs during an action potential when a cell or tissue is stimulated