overshoot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overshoot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something exceeds a target or limit, often in discussions about goals, measurements, or predictions. Example: "If we continue to increase production at this rate, we may overshoot our quarterly targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But bits of its approach look rickety.For a start the current-account deficit is likely to overshoot projections of about 3% of GDP for 2011, if October's trade figures are anything to go by.

The Economist

Privately, officials reckon the rupee's fair value, taking into account India's higher inflation and productivity over the past few years, is a little less than 60 per dollar, so the market has yet to overshoot wildly.

The Economist

The government now wants doctors to keep down their costs (fees plus prescriptions) to a rise of 1.3% this year (the same as for hospitals), with penalties on those who overshoot.

The Economist

Spain's 17 regions were mainly responsible for the budgetary overshoot last year and look certain to contribute to an overrun this year.

The Economist

That "presupposes self-discipline", but "whims and fancies rule the industry".Dev Anand, a former matinée idol who is now one of India's best-loved film-makers, confirms this view with his description of his fund-raising strategies: "I'm not a waster; I don't overshoot.

The Economist

The problem is exacerbated by CO's narrow "therapeutic index"; pump too little in and it won't work, but overshoot and it causes harm by binding irreversibly to haemoglobin, making less of that substance available to carry oxygen around the body.Frederick Montgomery and Duncan Bathe think they have come up with a way to hit the sweet spot.

The Economist

"I don't want to stop a needed adjustment in house prices, but I don't want that adjustment to overshoot because of foreclosures".

The Economist

CREDIT-DERIVATIVE prices, which are fast becoming a leading indicator of market sentiment, can sometimes overshoot.

The Economist

The claimant unemployment total reported in January declined to just over 1m, showing that the labour market remains exceptionally tight, which is one of the Bank's main concerns about the prospects for inflation.However, the MPC accepts that the risks to its inflation forecast are more likely to take the form of an undershoot than an overshoot.

The Economist

Yes, the dollar looks cheap, but currencies often overshoot.

The Economist

That price can overshoot both on the way up and on the way down, particularly when buyers are thin on the ground and sellers are distressed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overshoot", ensure the context clearly defines the intended target or limit being exceeded. For example, "The company's profits are likely to overshoot initial projections due to increased sales."

Common error

Avoid using "overshoot" interchangeably with terms like "exceed" or "surpass" without considering the specific nuance. "Overshoot" often implies going further than intended, while "exceed" and "surpass" can simply mean going beyond a limit.

Linguistic Context

The term "overshoot" functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of exceeding a target or limit. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, showing instances where it modifies targets, budgets, and expectations. As a noun, it represents the amount by which something exceeds the target.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Overshoot" is a versatile term used to describe exceeding a target or limit, functioning as both a verb and a noun. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, consider using synonyms like "exceed" or "surpass" for clarity, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. To avoid confusion, always clearly define the target being exceeded and consider if "overshoot" accurately reflects the intent of going further than intended rather than simply beyond a set limit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the limit

This alternative focuses on surpassing a specific boundary or maximum.

go beyond the mark

This phrase suggests surpassing an intended or expected standard.

surpass the target

This alternative emphasizes exceeding a defined objective or goal.

overstep the bounds

This phrase implies exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries, often with negative connotations.

outstrip expectations

This alternative highlights exceeding anticipated performance or results.

transgress the limit

This formal alternative suggests violating or exceeding a legal or moral boundary.

overrun the budget

Specifically refers to exceeding a financial plan or allocation.

oversail the goal

This alternative focuses on going too far in sailing or navigation

overreach oneself

This phrase focuses on trying to achieve too much, often leading to failure.

over-extend oneself

This refers to pushing oneself beyond one's capabilities or resources.

FAQs

How to use "overshoot" in a sentence?

"Overshoot" can be used to describe exceeding a target or limit. For example, "The missile could "overshoot" its intended target" or "The company is likely to "overshoot" its sales target this quarter."

What can I say instead of "overshoot"?

Alternatives to "overshoot" include "exceed", "surpass", or "go beyond", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "overshoot" or "undershoot"?

Both "overshoot" and "undershoot" are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Overshoot" means to exceed a target, while "undershoot" means to fall short of a target.

What's the difference between "overshoot" and "overrun"?

"Overshoot" typically refers to exceeding a specific target or measurement, while "overrun" often refers to exceeding a schedule or budget. For example, a project might "overrun" its budget, or a population might "overshoot" its environment's carrying capacity.