Overcautious: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe someone who takes too many precautions in simple situations. This can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting unnecessary worry.

• She was overcautious about letting her children play outside.
• His overcautious approach slowed down the project.

Describes someone who is excessively careful, often to the point of being overly diligent. It suggests a level of caution that may be unnecessary and time-consuming.

• The overcareful review process delayed the report's release.
• Being overcareful, she inspected every detail multiple times.

Describes extreme caution, often to a degree far beyond what is typical. This term often has a stronger negative connotation, implying a lack of trust or excessive fear.

• The ultracautious investor missed out on many profitable opportunities.
• His ultracautious behavior frustrated his more adventurous friends.

Used when someone is excessively careful about every aspect. It implies extreme vigilance to the point of being overly watchful.

• He became hypercautious after his previous investment losses.
• Her hypercautious nature made her double-check everything twice.

When someone is more cautious than necessary, often to a point where it hinders progress or causes stress.

• She was so overcautious she wouldn't even cross the street unless the light was green for a full minute.
• His overcautious nature made him double-check everything, which slowed down the project.

When someone is too careful, making sure everything is perfect, but often to the point where it causes delays or unnecessary worry.

• She was overcareful with her homework, checking it countless times before submitting it.
• Being overcareful with every detail, he missed the bigger picture.

Describes a person or behavior that is extremely cautious, often more so than necessary. This term is used when emphasizing an extreme level of caution.

• They were ultracautious about investing their money and missed several good opportunities.
• His ultracautious driving frustrated other drivers on the road.

When someone is extremely cautious, usually to an obsessive or excessive degree. It may have a slightly stronger connotation than 'overcautious'.

• He was hypercautious about germs and would wash his hands every ten minutes.
• Her hypercautious attitude towards strangers made her seem unfriendly.