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

Twenty-one at-bats after a decent layoff is hardly a big enough sample to get right, which is part of why the Dodgers’ handling of Ohtani this month felt shortsighted. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The two murals lasted until the ’80s and ’90s, and replacing them was a mistake that’s only looked more shortsighted over time. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

The notion that families should provide care without additional support is unrealistic and shortsighted, especially for families of people with highly complex medical or behavioral needs. — Barbara Merrill, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

In my view, statements to that effect are shortsighted, prioritizing short-term social effects over more insidious and long-term issues, including addiction. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

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