Over-scrupulous

Over-scrupulous describes a person or behavior characterized by excessive conscientiousness, meticulousness, and a rigid adherence to moral principles or rules, often to the point of being overly concerned with minor details or potential errors. This intense focus can lead to unnecessary worry, indecision, and a tendency to find fault in oneself or others. It suggests a degree of fastidiousness that can become a hindrance to efficient action or healthy relationships, potentially stemming from anxiety, perfectionism, or a strong sense of duty. The adjective emphasizes an extreme application of ethical standards or precise attention to procedure.

Over-scrupulous meaning with examples

• John was over-scrupulous when it came to tax deductions, spending hours meticulously documenting every expense, even those involving trivial amounts. This extreme care, while ensuring accuracy, often delayed his filings and caused unnecessary stress. He'd often agonize over tiny discrepancies, unable to let go of the smallest potential errors, which eventually led to burnout. His friends told him to relax and get on with it, but to John this was a matter of integrity.
• The project manager was over-scrupulous in his review of the report, spending days scrutinizing every sentence, even the ones written by the leading experts. This detailed inspection led to delays, since revisions to the report took forever. The team felt he nitpicked without considering the bigger picture of project goals, and became reluctant to submit their drafts, as they knew his scrutiny of small details would lead to revisions, meaning they rarely hit the deadlines.
• Sarah, known for her over-scrupulous nature, would re-read emails multiple times before sending, agonizing over the precise wording. She felt the need to be absolutely certain that she'd avoided any possibility of misinterpretation or offense. This often resulted in delays, leaving her unable to communicate efficiently. Her colleagues found her constant questioning of every word and punctuation mark frustrating and counterproductive, impeding the flow of communications.
• The judge, renowned for his over-scrupulous approach to the law, would carefully consider every piece of evidence. This meticulousness earned him respect, but it also led to lengthy trials, as he delved deep into the background of every case. While ensuring fairness and due process, his excessive caution slowed the court system down. This intense focus on detail, while laudable, sometimes hampered the efficiency of justice, leading to frustrations among the jurors.