Second-guessing

Second-guessing is the act of criticizing or questioning a past decision or action, often after the fact, especially by considering what might have been a better choice. It involves dwelling on alternative scenarios and expressing doubt about the effectiveness or wisdom of a previously made judgment. This can stem from hindsight bias, where one believes, after an event has occurred, that they would have predicted it and acted differently. It often carries a negative connotation, as it can suggest a lack of confidence or self-assurance and can sometimes lead to unproductive rumination on past mistakes, preventing one from moving forward with new decisions.

Second-guessing meaning with examples

• After losing the game, the coach began to second-guess his decision to go for a field goal instead of a touchdown. He spent hours replaying the scenario in his mind, wondering if he had made the right call and feeling the weight of his decision's impact on the team's morale.
• Sarah's initial proposal was rejected, leading her to second-guess her approach. She analyzed every detail of her presentation, speculating about the changes that might have altered the outcome, and considered other methods she might have considered.
• The investor started to second-guess his investment strategy after the market declined. He scrutinized the timing of his purchases and sales, reflecting on stocks he should have sold and those he should have purchased to turn his loss into profit.
• Instead of focusing on future projects, Mark continuously second-guessed his choice of college major. He wished he had studied another subject, leading to frustration and a failure to commit to a career path, constantly questioning whether the path chosen was right.