What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overcompensating
Example
He's overcompensating for his short height by being overly aggressive. [overcompensating: present participle]
Example
She always brings extravagant gifts to make up for her mistakes, but it feels like she's overcompensating. [overcompensating: verb]
overdoing
Example
I think you're overdoing it with the spices in this dish. [overdoing: present participle]
Example
He's overdoing the exercise and risking injury. [overdoing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overdoing is more commonly used than overcompensating in everyday language. Overdoing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overcompensating is less common and refers to a specific type of excessive behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overcompensating and overdoing?
Both overcompensating and overdoing are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.