Officious

Officious describes someone who is excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice. They meddle in other people's affairs in a self-important and intrusive way, often believing they know best and acting without being asked. Their actions stem from a desire to be helpful, but are often perceived as overbearing, nosy, and unwelcome, resulting in annoyance or irritation. It suggests an unwanted interference and an assumption of authority where none is earned or requested. Their attempts at assistance are often clumsy and create more problems than they solve, demonstrating a lack of sensitivity and social awareness.

Officious meaning with examples

• The Officious hotel clerk insisted on carrying our luggage, even though we were perfectly capable. His over-the-top service was more of a hindrance than a help, and we felt smothered by his constant attention. We just wanted to check in quietly and relax, but his eagerness ruined the experience.
• During the meeting, the Officious junior employee kept interrupting with suggestions, despite not having relevant experience or knowledge. His unsolicited opinions disrupted the flow and irritated the senior staff, who wished he'd just listen and learn instead of acting like he ran the show.
• My neighbor is notoriously officious; he frequently rearranges our recycling bins without asking. While he intends to be helpful, it's intrusive and presumptuous. He is so keen to take control that the whole neighborhood now avoids him, afraid of his intrusive interventions.
• The Officious salesperson followed us around the store, providing unwanted commentary about every item we looked at. His persistent efforts to convince us to buy things we weren't interested in made us feel pressured and uncomfortable, and we left without making a purchase.
• Despite his good intentions, the Officious doctor constantly gave unsolicited medical advice to everyone he met. His casual diagnosis and treatment suggestions, were often inaccurate, and caused more confusion and anxiety than genuine help.