tunnel vision

noun

1

: constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision

2

: extreme narrowness of viewpoint : narrow-mindedness

also : single-minded concentration on one objective

tunnel-visioned

ˈtə-nᵊl-ˈvi-zhənd 

adjective

Examples of tunnel vision in a Sentence

His tunnel vision made sensible discussions on political issues nearly impossible.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is all new territory for Williams, 26, and he has been forced to lean on a number of people — family, close friends, players on rival teams in the Southeast Division — those close to him to keep his sanity at times and have as much tunnel vision as possible. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2025

This tunnel vision causes professionals to miss out on unexpected opportunities—such as taking on a stretch project, exploring a side hustle or saying yes to a role in an entirely different industry. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

This tunnel vision results in pursuing careers that are neither sustainable nor aligned with one’s broader life goals. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Altman, with his tunnel vision on AI, seems unlikely to affect or sour Trump and Musk’s ideological bond and attempt to reshape the federal government. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tunnel vision

• cablevision
• circumcision
• imprecision
• indecision
• subdivision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division

Kids Definition

tunnel vision

noun

1

: narrowing of the field of vision resulting in loss of side vision

2

: a tendency to be extremely focused on something or on a part of something (as a problem or plan) while ignoring other factors

Medical Definition

tunnel vision

noun

: constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision