shortsighted

adjective

short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˌsī-təd How to pronounce shortsighted (audio)
Synonyms of shortsightednext
1
: lacking foresight
2
shortsightedly adverb
shortsightedness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the White House and various lawmakers continue to mull proposals to suspend the national gas tax, analysts believe that would be shortsighted – and not nearly enough relief given how high prices have risen. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 12 May 2026 Such shortsighted mistakes seem unlikely this time around, as Saleh has emphasized cap flexibility and asset accumulation. John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 May 2026 But virtually eliminating arts and culture funding is shortsighted due to the return on investment those grants provide in the form of resident and tourist spending. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 What’s frugal at $10 million can become shortsighted at $100 million. Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortsighted

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortsighted was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortsighted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortsighted. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

shortsighted

adjective
short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˈsīt-əd How to pronounce shortsighted (audio)
1
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 How to pronounce shortsighted (audio)
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