Shortsighted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shortsighted

[ˈʃɔːrtˈsaɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing a person

Lacking the ability to see things clearly or to plan for the future; lacking foresight or vision.

Synonyms

myopic, nearsighted, unfarsighted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shortsighted	Best used to describe a lack of foresight or planning, often with a negative connotation implying poor judgment. His decision to ignore the long-term benefits for immediate profits was incredibly shortsighted
nearsighted	Commonly used in a medical context to describe a person who has difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. It can also be used metaphorically but is less formal than 'myopic.' The nearsighted student had to sit in the front row to see the blackboard
myopic	Typically used in a formal or medical context to describe someone who is literally nearsighted (unable to see distant objects clearly) or metaphorically lacking in imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight. Her myopic view of the project's potential led to its early failure
unfarsighted	Less commonly used but generally describes someone who lacks the ability to plan for the long-term. It is a more neutral term compared to 'shortsighted.' His unfarsighted approach to environmental issues failed to address the future impact

Examples of usage

His shortsighted decision led to financial problems in the long run.
The shortsighted manager failed to anticipate changes in the market.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing a decision or action

Showing a lack of consideration for the long-term consequences; not thinking ahead.

Synonyms

hasty, immediate, short-term.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shortsighted	Again, this is used when someone is not considering the long-term impact of their actions, similar to the first definition. Investing in cheaper materials for quick profit is shortsighted and may cost the company more in the long run
short-term	Used when referring to something that will last for a limited period of time. This word is neutral and often used in planning or financial contexts. He took a short-term job to save money for his trip
immediate	Used when something is happening or needs to happen right away, without any delay. This word usually does not carry a negative connotation. We need an immediate response to the customer’s complaint
hasty	Used when someone is acting too quickly without thinking things through, often leading to mistakes. This word typically has a negative connotation. Her hasty decision to buy the car without checking its history resulted in many repairs

Examples of usage

The shortsighted policy resulted in environmental damage.
Her shortsighted approach to the project caused delays.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In terms of vision, shortsightedness (or myopia) occurs when the eyeball is too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry.
About 30% of the population worldwide is affected by shortsightedness, with rates increasing in many countries due to lifestyle changes.

Psychology

The term 'shortsighted' is often used to describe decision-making that focuses on immediate benefits rather than long-term consequences.
Cognitive biases such as temporal discounting influence humans to prioritize short-term rewards over future gains, a behavior considered 'shortsighted.'

Literature

Authors often use 'shortsighted' as a metaphor for flawed characters who fail to see the bigger picture in their lives.
Poets may describe the shortsightedness of youth, capturing the theme of inexperience and misunderstanding of future implications.

Pop Culture

In film and literature, shortsighted characters are commonly portrayed as being overly focused on immediate pleasures, leading to humorous or tragic outcomes.
The term has appeared in songs and artistic expressions, reflecting societal critiques on how people often ignore long-term issues.

Origin of 'shortsighted'

Main points about word origin

The first use of 'shortsighted' in English dates back to the early 19th century, blending 'short' and 'sighted' to describe limited vision.
The term has roots in both Greek and Latin, reflecting a blend of language that explores physical vision and metaphorical foresight.

The word 'shortsighted' originated in the mid-18th century, combining the words 'short' and 'sighted'. It was first used in the literal sense of having a limited range of vision. Over time, the term evolved to also describe a lack of long-term vision or planning. The figurative use of 'shortsighted' to criticize a lack of foresight or consideration for future consequences became more common in the 19th century.