Characterized by excessive conscientiousness, meticulousness, and a strong adherence to moral principles, often to the point of being unnecessarily fastidious or critical of oneself or others. An overscrupulous person may be overly concerned with minor details, rules, and regulations, sometimes leading to inaction or a paralysis of decision-making. This trait often stems from a deep-seated desire to be perfect, avoid any wrongdoing, and ensure fairness, which, when taken to an extreme, can become counterproductive and even exhausting for both the individual and those around them. It can also manifest as a tendency toward self-reproach and harsh self-criticism.
Overscrupulous meaning with examples
- John was overscrupulous about his taxes. He meticulously documented every expense, even those that were arguably irrelevant, spending countless hours ensuring absolute accuracy, often worrying he'd made a mistake. This meant his tax return preparation took far longer than necessary, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety because he could not stand any perceived error.
- The detective's overscrupulous adherence to procedure led to significant delays in the investigation. He insisted on re-interviewing witnesses multiple times, even when their accounts remained consistent, afraid of missing the smallest inconsistency, hindering the swift resolution of the case and frustrating his colleagues.
- Maria's overscrupulous nature regarding her children's education meant she spent all evening checking all of their homework, researching various teaching strategies, and even creating additional assignments, overwhelming herself and her family with these added anxieties, though not always in the best interests of her family.
- Despite his genuine desire to help, the volunteer's overscrupulous approach to fundraising meant he hesitated to ask people for donations, fearing potential criticism. This caution resulted in him getting stuck on the process and not really being able to move forward effectively and get anything accomplished.