Word
hindsight
Phoneticshind·sight, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhaɪnˌsaɪt/
UK/hˈaɪndsaɪt/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability to understand a situation only after it has happened. You use this when you realize what you should have done differently in the past.
n. the ability to understand an event or situation only after its occurrence. Often contrasted with foresight to highlight the clarity gained through retrospective analysis.
Examples
“In hindsight, I should have taken the train instead of driving.”
“With the benefit of hindsight, the investors realized they had ignored several warning signs before the market crashed.”
“While the decision seemed logical at the time, hindsight reveals that the management team failed to account for the rapid shift in consumer preferences.”
Examples
simple
“In hindsight, I should have taken the train instead of driving.”
contextual
“With the benefit of hindsight, the investors realized they had ignored several warning signs before the market crashed.”
complex
“While the decision seemed logical at the time, hindsight reveals that the management team failed to account for the rapid shift in consumer preferences.”
Usage
Commonly used in the prepositional phrases 'in hindsight' or 'with the benefit of hindsight'.
Real-World Examples
“In hindsight, a plan would have been smart.” “Perhaps, in hindsight, it was always going to end this way.” Etymology
From hind + sight, 19th c. Compare Latinate retrospect.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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