What term describes the ability of a controller to minimize error without overshooting?

The term that describes the ability of a controller to minimize error without overshooting is damping. Damping refers to the process of reducing oscillations or fluctuations in a control system's response. In the context of control systems, it helps achieve a balance between quick response time and stability, ensuring that any deviation from a setpoint is corrected smoothly and accurately without causing overshoot.

When a system is well-damped, it approaches its desired state without excessive oscillations, which can lead to instability or performance issues. This behavior is essential in many applications to maintain precision and prevent systems from overreacting to changes, which is what occurs if damping is inadequate. Thus, damping is critical for maintaining an effective and reliable control system that responds appropriately to disturbances.