overcorrections
Too much fixing
Overcorrections are adjustments that go too far in the opposite direction, creating new problems while addressing old ones.
A driver who overcorrects after drifting right may veer into oncoming traffic.
The term applies broadly: The company's overcorrections to the scandal alienated longtime employees.
Overcorrections often happen when someone, stung by criticism, swings to an opposite extreme.
Disproportionate emotional response
- knee-jerkInstinctive and unconsidered
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- pendulumSuspended swinging weight
- overkillUnnecessary additional effort
overshoot · overcompensation · hypercorrection · overadjustment · whiplash · snapback · rebound · recoil
Error in estimation
- overestimationJudging something too high
- misreadingIncorrect interpretation of text
- misinterpretationIncorrect understanding of meaning
- overshootGo beyond intended point
misstep · error · inaccuracy · miscalibration · poor judgment · overcompensating · wrongheaded · misguided
Excessive compensating change
- recalibrationAdjusting measurement standards again
- rebalancingRestoring proper proportions
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
- offsetCompensate by opposing force
realignment · readjustment · recalibrating · oversteering · overdoing · reversal · reset · swing back
Excessive surface refinement
- nitpickingExcessive focus on trivialities
- micromanagingExcessive control over details
- overthinkingDwelling excessively on thoughts
- fussinessExcessive concern over trivialities
hair-splitting · overworking · gilding the lily · diminishing returns · overengineering · analysis paralysis · second-guessing
overreaction
Disproportionate emotional response
- knee-jerkInstinctive and unconsidered
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- pendulumSuspended swinging weight
overkill · overshoot · overcompensation · hypercorrection · overadjustment · whiplash · snapback · rebound · recoil · backfire
miscalculation
Error in estimation
- overestimationJudging something too high
- misreadingIncorrect interpretation of text
- misinterpretationIncorrect understanding of meaning
overshoot · misstep · error · inaccuracy · miscalibration · poor judgment · overcompensating · wrongheaded · misguided · ill-advised
overadjustment
Excessive compensating change
- recalibrationAdjusting measurement standards again
- rebalancingRestoring proper proportions
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
offset · realignment · readjustment · recalibrating · oversteering · overdoing · reversal · reset · swing back
overpolishing
Excessive surface refinement
- nitpickingExcessive focus on trivialities
- micromanagingExcessive control over details
- overthinkingDwelling excessively on thoughts
fussiness · hair-splitting · overworking · gilding the lily · diminishing returns · overengineering · analysis paralysis · second-guessing