Unfarsighted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfarsighted

[ʌnˈfɑːrsaɪtɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

descriptive

Lacking the ability to foresee or anticipate future events; shortsighted.

Synonyms

myopic, nearsighted, shortsighted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfarsighted	This word is not commonly used in modern English. It is similar in meaning to 'shortsighted' or 'lacking foresight'. The strategy seemed unfarsighted to many experts. An unfarsighted leader may ignore potential long-term benefits.
shortsighted	Commonly used to describe a lack of foresight or consideration for the future. Often carries a negative connotation when used metaphorically. Their shortsighted decision to cut costs resulted in lower quality products. Being shortsighted about environmental issues can lead to severe consequences.
myopic	Often used in both medical and metaphorical contexts to describe a literal lack of distant vision or a figurative narrow-mindedness. Can have a negative connotation when referring to figurative use. The patient's myopic condition required corrective lenses. His myopic view of the issue prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.
nearsighted	Primarily used in medical contexts to describe someone who has difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. It can also be used metaphorically but not as commonly. She is nearsighted and needs glasses to drive. A nearsighted focus on profits can damage a company's long-term sustainability.

Examples of usage

He was unfarsighted and didn't realize the consequences of his actions.
Her unfarsightedness led to many missed opportunities.
Being unfarsighted, he often made impulsive decisions without considering the long-term consequences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Cognitive biases can lead to 'unfarsighted' behavior, where individuals focus on immediate rewards at the expense of long-term benefits.
Studies have found that people often exhibit 'present bias,' valuing immediate gains over future consequences, leading to poor planning.
Mindfulness and awareness practices can help mitigate unfarsighted tendencies by encouraging individuals to consider future impacts.

Literature

In literary narratives, characters often face consequences due to their unfarsighted decisions, serving as a moral lesson about foresight.
Classic fables like Aesop’s 'The Ant and the Grasshopper' utilize the theme of long-term thinking vs. immediate gratification.
Dystopian novels frequently explore the dangers of unfarsightedness, highlighting societal issues that arise from neglecting future implications.

Education

Teaching habits like goal setting and planning can counteract unfarsighted tendencies in students, promoting better decision-making.
Critical thinking exercises in classrooms encourage students to evaluate long-term consequences of their choices.
Workshops often highlight the importance of foresight in career planning, emphasizing skills necessary for future job markets.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often viewed as unfarsighted face dramatic changes or challenges, illustrating the importance of planning.
Popular songs about regret often reflect themes of being unfarsighted in relationships or life choices, resonating with listeners.
Reality TV often features individuals making unfarsighted choices, leading to surprising outcomes that remind viewers of the need for foresight.

Origin of 'unfarsighted'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, while 'far' is derived from Old English 'feorr,' meaning distant.
The term 'sighted' comes from the Middle English 'sicht,' which relates to vision or the act of seeing.
The combination reflects a lack of ability to perceive long-range perspectives, both literally and metaphorically.

The term 'unfarsighted' is a neologism formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'farsighted'. Farsighted originally referred to having good vision for distant objects, but over time, its meaning evolved to include the ability to foresee future events. Unfarsighted, therefore, describes the opposite - a lack of ability to anticipate future events.