miscompensate

English

Etymology

mis- +‎ compensate

Verb

miscompensate (third-person singular simple present miscompensates, present participle miscompensating, simple past and past participle miscompensated)

1. To err when attempting to adapt to a condition.
   • 1990, William R. Biers, Patrick E. McGovern, Organic contents of ancient vessels:

     A background spectrum (without any sample in the infrared beam) must be obtained in order to subtract atmospheric effects on the spectrum, but sometimes, because of momentary local changes in the atmosphere, the instrument miscompensates.

   • 2017, Christopher A. Shaw, Neural Dynamics of Neurological Disease, page 11:

     The nervous system, once so adept at compensation, begins to miscompensate, exacerbating the overall dysfunction of the system.

2. To provide the wrong amount of payment as compensation.
   • 1989, The Trade-mark Reporter - Volume 79, page 214:

     The author criticizes this method of damage calculation and provides examples of how it can "miscompensate" plaintiff for economic loss, leading to an inefficient deterrent effect and excessive social costs.

   • 1991, Southern california law review - Volume 64, Part 1, page 40:

     Other parties can but guess at their negotiating partner's reliance costs, so they are likely to miscompensate .