overzealousness

A coach reminds the team that overzealousness can lead to unnecessary penalties.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive or extreme enthusiasm: "overzealousness" refers to the quality of being too eager, fervent, or ardent in pursuing a cause, task, or belief, often to the point of being counterproductive or inappropriate.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new manager's overzealousness in enforcing rules made the employees resentful. (The manager was excessively enthusiastic about applying regulations, causing negative feelings.)
  • His overzealousness for the project led him to work through weekends, but it eventually caused burnout. (His extreme dedication to the task resulted in exhaustion.)
  • The volunteer's overzealousness in cleaning the park disturbed the natural habitat of some birds. (Too much eagerness in cleaning had unintended harmful effects.)

Advanced Usage

• "overzealousness in [noun/gerund]": a common structure to specify the area where excessive enthusiasm is shown.
  • Overzealousness in grading can discourage students from taking creative risks. (Being too strict or meticulous in evaluation.)
• "display overzealousness": to show or demonstrate excessive eagerness.
  • The activist displayed overzealousness during the protest, which alienated moderate supporters. (The activist's extreme behaviour pushed away more cautious allies.)

Variants and Related Words

• Overzealous (adj): showing too much enthusiasm or eagerness.
  • The overzealous fan tried to jump onto the stage during the concert. (The fan was excessively excited.)
• Zeal (n): great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective.
  • Her zeal for environmental conservation is admirable. (Her strong commitment is commendable.)
• Zealous (adj): having or showing zeal; fervent.
  • The zealous supporter campaigned tirelessly for the candidate. (The supporter was dedicated and energetic.)
• Zealot (n): a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other beliefs.
  • The religious zealot refused to listen to any opposing views. (The fanatical person was intolerant of dissent.)

Synonyms

• Fanaticism: excessive and often irrational enthusiasm for a cause.
• Fervour: intense and passionate feeling.
• Eagerness: keenness or enthusiasm, though "overzealousness" implies an excess of this.
• Enthusiasm (with "excessive"): a general term for strong excitement, but "overzealousness" specifically denotes too much.

Related Idioms

• To be too eager to please: a phrase describing someone whose overzealousness is aimed at gaining approval.
  • The new intern was too eager to please, often taking on tasks beyond his ability. (The intern's overzealousness led to overcommitment.)
• To go overboard: to do something to an excessive degree.
  • She went overboard with the decorations, spending far more than planned. (Her overzealousness for decorating was excessive.)