overcompensation

noun

over·​com·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌō-vər-ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌpen-

: excessive compensation

specifically : excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling

overcompensate

ˌō-vər-ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt 

verb

overcompensatory

ˌō-vər-kəm-ˈpen(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Examples of overcompensation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reluctance to take credit for successes, chronic self-doubt and overcompensation through perfectionism. —Tanya Arturi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Aaron’s overcompensation clearly stems from a struggle with his sexuality. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2024

This can lead to muscle imbalances or overcompensation. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 17 Jan. 2024

But all that is a relatively benign manifestation of overcompensation. —Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overcompensation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Medical Definition

overcompensation

noun

over·​com·​pen·​sa·​tion -ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen- 

: excessive compensation

specifically : excessive reaction to a feeling of inferiority, guilt, or inadequacy leading to an exaggerated attempt to overcome the feeling

overcompensate

-ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt 

verb

overcompensated; overcompensating

overcompensatory

-kəm-ˈpen(t)-sə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective