shortsighted

adjective

short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˌsī-təd 

1

: lacking foresight

2

: nearsighted

shortsightedly adverb

shortsightedness noun

Synonyms

• myopic
• nearsighted

Examples of shortsighted in a Sentence

shortsighted politicians who only care about how they do in the next election

The plan was dangerously shortsighted.

Recent Examples on the Web

The temporary attempt to separate sports from politics speaks to a greater and shortsighted divide. —Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025

Dismantling it is reckless and shortsighted, an abandonment of our leadership role when the world needs it most. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025

Scrutinizing one, federal workers, but not the other, federal contractors, is simply wrong and shortsighted. —Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025

That makes the Trump administration’s decisions particularly shortsighted and tragic. —Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shortsighted

• affrighted
• alighted
• benighted
• delighted
• excited
• farsighted
• highlighted
• ignited
• incited
• indicted
• invited
• nearsighted

Kids Definition

shortsighted

adjective

short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˈsīt-əd 

1

: nearsighted

2

: showing a failure to think ahead : lacking foresight

a shortsighted policy

shortsightedly adverb

shortsightedness noun

Medical Definition

shortsighted

adjective

short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˈsīt-əd 

: nearsighted