Overshot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overshot

[ˈoʊvərˌʃɔt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

missed target

To overshoot means to go beyond a particular target or destination. This term is often used in contexts like aviation or planning, where precise measurements are crucial. When someone overshoots, they typically fail to hit the intended mark, which can lead to various consequences depending on the scenario. It can also refer to exceeding an expected or desired level in performance or achievement.

Synonyms

exceed, miss, overreach, overrun.

Examples of usage

  • The plane overshot the runway during landing.
  • She overshot her budget by several hundred dollars.
  • The team overshot their goal for the quarter.
Context #2 | Noun

excess

Overshot can also refer to the act of exceeding a limit or expectation. In this context, it denotes a situation where someone or something goes too far, whether in terms of time, resources, or results. This usage is less common but can be relevant in discussions around performance metrics or regulations.

Synonyms

excess, overrun, surplus.

Examples of usage

  • The overshot in production led to a surplus of inventory.
  • His overshot in delivery caused a delay in the project.
  • An overshot on the budget required immediate adjustments.

Translations

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Origin of 'overshot'

The term 'overshoot' has its origins in the combination of the prefix 'over-', which indicates excess or beyond, and the verb 'shoot', which means to propel or direct something (usually a projectile) towards a target. The first known use of 'overshoot' can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly in contexts relating to aviation and military maneuvers. As technology progressed, the term expanded in use, coming to describe various situations where goals or limits were exceeded, whether in physical movement, financial budgeting, or project management. Its utility has grown in modern language, especially in discussions about environmental science, where 'overshoot' describes the scenario of resource consumption that exceeds the Earth's regenerative capacity, highlighting the balance required for sustainability.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,463 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.