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Definition of overcompensate

overcompensate

/ˌoʊ.vɚˈkɑːm.pən.seɪt/
o · ver · com · pen · sate
Adjective:overcompensatory
•
Past Simple:overcompensated
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Past Participle:overcompensated
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Present Participle:overcompensating
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overcompensate Lexical Profile

overcompensate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take excessive measures in attempting to correct, make up for, or conceal a perceived weakness, error, or inadequacy.

Example

"New managers sometimes overcompensate for their lack of experience by micromanaging every detail of their team's work."

2

To pay or reward someone more than is warranted or standard for a service, loss, or effort.

Example

"Critics argued that the board had overcompensated the departing executives despite the company's declining revenue."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for overcompensate

• Nearby Words

overcommitment
overcommitted
overcommunicate
overcompensate
overcompensation
overcomplex
overcomplicate

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century in the context of Alfred Adler's individual psychology, combining the prefix 'over-' with 'compensate' (from Latin 'compensare', meaning 'to weigh one thing against another').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overcompensate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overcompensate
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