Word
shortsighted
Phoneticsshort·sight·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɔɹtˈsaɪtɪd/
UK/ʃˈɔːtsaɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. unable to see things that are far away clearly, so they look blurry. You also use it for a plan or decision that ignores what will happen in the future.
adj. unable to focus clearly on distant objects while near vision remains sharp; by extension, failing to consider long-term consequences when planning or deciding.
Examples
“He wears glasses because he is shortsighted.”
“The taxi driver is shortsighted, so he never drives without his glasses.”
“Her shortsighted decision to cut training costs saved money that year but left the company unprepared for new technology.”
Examples
simple
“He wears glasses because he is shortsighted.”
contextual
“The taxi driver is shortsighted, so he never drives without his glasses.”
complex
“Her shortsighted decision to cut training costs saved money that year but left the company unprepared for new technology.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “shortsighted” in context.
Verb
01. become shortsighted
“Many children become shortsighted from too much screen time indoors.”
verb + adj
02. prove shortsighted
“Closing local libraries proved shortsighted when demand for study space grew.”
verb + adj
03. seem shortsighted
“Cutting training budgets now may seem shortsighted in the long run.”
verb + adj
04. shortsighted about future
“Critics say the housing plan is shortsighted about future population growth.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
05. extremely shortsighted
“Without her contacts, she is extremely shortsighted and cannot read signs.”
adv + adj
06. rather shortsighted
“He is rather shortsighted, so he sits near the front in class.”
adv + adj
07. severely shortsighted
“He has been severely shortsighted since childhood and wears strong glasses.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. shortsighted approach
“Focusing only on exam results is a shortsighted approach to education.”
adj + noun
09. shortsighted attitude
“Ignoring public transport shows a shortsighted attitude towards pollution.”
adj + noun
10. a severely shortsighted decision
“Closing the youth centre was a severely shortsighted decision by the council.”
11. criticised as shortsighted and unfair
“The new tax was widely criticised as shortsighted and unfair to families.”
12. prove shortsighted in hindsight
“The decision to cut research funding proved shortsighted in hindsight.”
Real-World Examples
“Adams accused successive Irish governments of being “incredibly shortsighted” and failing to plan for unification.” “For Andy Burnham, the task will be to end this shortsighted approach by rebuilding what the thinktank Demos calls a preventive state – a model involving investment to support the foundations of society.” “The President is disappointed by the shortsighted decision by OPEC+ to cut production quotas while the global economy is dealing with the continued negative impact of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s invasion of Ukraine," the White House said.” “The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, which represents nearly 90,000 flight attendants from carriers across the country, called it a "poor and shortsighted decision" by the TSA.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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