hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt 

: perception of the nature of an event after it has happened

In hindsight, it's clear there were alternatives.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Examples of hindsight in a Sentence

It's easy for us to say that the war was wrong, but we have the advantage of hindsight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Find the topic gaps nobody is filling Every niche has angles that are obvious in hindsight. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

An enjoyable experience all told, but Giguère would’ve much preferred a shorter break in hindsight. —Sean Gentille, New York Times, 21 May 2026

Eagles fans wanted running back Ricky Williams, and much like with Kiper's draft day meltdown, this one is even funnier in hindsight. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Something’s building between Nancy and Howard, and there’s a vibe between them that’s obvious to the audience — maybe in hindsight. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hindsight

• twenty-twenty hindsight

Rhymes for hindsight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt 

: realization of the meaning or importance of an event only after it has happened