Overhaste

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A frequent inclination to act impulsively and too quickly leads to negative repercussions and careless choices
2. A habit of making swift decisions without adequate thought often results in unfavorable outcomes and missed important factors
3. The tendency to act with undue speed causing mistakes or problems

Etymology: "Overhaste" is a plain compound: the prefix "over-", meaning excessively or too much, joined to "haste," which goes back to Old Norse "hast" and conveys speed or urgency. Put together, it names haste carried past the point of usefulness, which is why the word's meaning sits so naturally with rash decisions. The formation is transparent enough that the word needs little more explanation. The pattern is productive in English. "Over-" attaches to many nouns and adjectives to signal an excess, as in "overconfidence," "overcaution," and "overexertion," and "overhaste" follows the same logic. Its usefulness lies in describing the error itself rather than the act of hurrying, so a speaker can point to the excess as the cause of a mistake.

Synonyms: hurry, haste, rashness, impulsiveness, precipitation

Antonyms: deliberation, calmness, patience, caution, thoughtfulness