shortsighted

adjective

short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˌsī-təd 

1

: lacking foresight

2

: nearsighted

shortsightedly adverb

shortsightedness noun

Synonyms of shortsighted

• 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 industry responded with more than $450 million to influence the 2024 elections, and the federal government, in turn, went after clean energy with a wrecking ball in 2025 — a shortsighted move that spells trouble for electricity bills, clean air, and America’s technological competitiveness. —Anshul Gupta, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

Whether Drury has earned that level of security will be an ongoing source of debate, but with his job seemingly safe, the pressure to appease the owner with shortsighted moves should be lifted. —Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

The heroics of Tony Meola To talk about the Wizards’ 2000 MLS Cup team without mentioning Meola’s heroics would be shortsighted. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 4 Dec. 2025

These shortsighted solutions only deepen the affordability crisis. —Kelly Seyarto, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 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