Standard Lemma guide

overcompensate

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To do an excessive amount in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To provide with excessive pay or reward for work performed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

make excessive corrections for fear of making an error

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: over-correct

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: right, compensate, redress, correct

4

verb

Meaning 4

make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he is compensating for being a bad father

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: cover, compensate

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: compensate, counterbalance, correct, make up, even out, even off, even up

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *úp Proto-Indo-European *-er Proto-Indo-European *upér Proto-Germanic *uber Old English ofer- Middle English over- English over- English compensate English overcompensate From over- + compensate.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: surcompenser — to do an excessive amount in one area to overcome a perceived lack in another area
  • Hungarian: túlkompenzál — to do an excessive amount in one area to overcome a perceived lack in another area
  • Finnish: maksaa liikaa — to provide with excessive pay or reward