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Overshoot: meaning, definitions and examples

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overshoot

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈʃuːt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

exceeding limit

To overshoot means to go beyond or exceed a limit or target. In various contexts, it can refer to exceeding a physical distance, a financial budget, or even a timeline. In aviation, for example, it can refer to a plane landing beyond the runway. The term is often used in discussions of precision and accuracy, where the goal is to hit a specific mark without going over it. It is commonly mentioned in contexts such as budget management, goal setting, and engineering.

Synonyms

exceed, overreach, overspass

Examples of usage

  • The rocket overshot its targeted orbit.
  • We need to adjust our strategy to avoid overshooting our budget.
  • The athlete overshot his jump, landing on the other side of the mark.
  • Careful planning is required to prevent overshooting deadlines.
Context #2 | Noun

excessive reach

An overshoot can also refer to an event where a target is exceeded. This term is often used in environmental science and economics, where a resource or target surpasses sustainable levels. It can also describe situations where predictions or expectations do not align with outcomes, leading to consequences of excess. Recognizing overshoots is important for proper management and adjustment in strategies.

Synonyms

excess, overextension, overflow

Examples of usage

  • The overshoot of the carbon emissions target raised concerns.
  • An economic overshoot can lead to inflation.
  • We experienced an overshoot of demand during the holiday season.
  • Careful monitoring is needed to avoid biological overshoots in ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "overshoot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exceder

🇮🇳 अधिक होना

🇩🇪 überschreiten

🇮🇩 melampaui

🇺🇦 перевищити

🇵🇱 przekroczyć

🇯🇵 オーバーシュートする

🇫🇷 dépasser

🇪🇸 superar

🇹🇷 aşmak

🇰🇷 초과하다

🇸🇦 تجاوز

🇨🇿 překročit

🇸🇰 prekročiť

🇨🇳 超出

🇸🇮 prekoračiti

🇮🇸 ofau

🇰🇿 асып кету

🇬🇪 გადასვლა

🇦🇿 aşmaq

🇲🇽 exceder

Etymology

The term 'overshoot' originates from the combination of the prefix 'over-', meaning 'excess' or 'beyond', and the verb 'shoot', which traditionally refers to the act of propelling something toward a target. The verb 'shoot' has its roots in Middle English 'shouten,' which is derived from Old English 'sceotan,' meaning 'to shoot' or 'to throw'. The word 'overshoot' began to appear in English around the mid-20th century, gaining traction particularly in fields such as aeronautics, economics, and environmental science, where precise targets are crucial. The connotation of exceeding a limit aligns well with the rapid advances in technology and society that can lead to both amazing achievements and concerning consequences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,740, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.