1. excessive or unnecessary caution; being more careful or cautious than the situation requires
Usage: typically uncountable; often used to describe an attitude or approach that is overly defensive or risk-averse

Examples

• The company's overcaution in product development delayed the launch by months.
• His overcaution about germs made it difficult for him to enjoy social activities.
• The team criticized the manager's overcaution as a missed opportunity for growth.
• Overcaution in financial planning can sometimes prevent you from taking beneficial risks.
• She showed overcaution when crossing the street, even though traffic was light.
• The government's overcaution regarding the new policy frustrated business leaders.