overcautiousnessn.
/ˌəʊvəˈkɔːʃəsnəs/, U.S. /ˌoʊvərˈkɔʃəsnəs/, /ˌoʊvərˈkɑʃəsnəs/ The quality or state of being overcautious; excessive cautiousness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > [noun] > excessive caution
overcaution1690
overcautiousness1839
1839 D. P. Thompson Green Mountain Boys II. vi. 94 ‘O, it is not from any in the army, then,’ rejoined Jessy, throwing a significant look at her companion, intended to convey a sly joke for her over cautiousness.
1862 A. Lincoln Let. 13 Oct. in Cent. Mag. (1886) Aug. 627/1 (note) You remember my speaking to you of what I called your over-cautiousness.
1954 Mississippi Valley Hist. Rev. 41 265 The assault had failed largely because of Butler's overcautiousness.
1978 Nature 21 Sept. 258/2 But it is not this imbalance but an overcautiousness in interpretation at times bordering on scepticism that concerns me most.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1839