shortsighted

adjective

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

Synonyms of shortsighted

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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.
But doing so might be shortsighted. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 Removing enforcement was shortsighted and weakens the entire public safety system. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 That thinking is dangerously shortsighted. — Sally C. Pipes, Boston Herald, 27 May 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 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

Rhymes for shortsighted

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Browse Nearby Words

short sight
shortsighted
short snorter
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Cite this Entry

“Shortsighted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortsighted. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortsighted

adjective
short·​sight·​ed ˈshȯrt-ˈsīt-əd How to pronounce shortsighted (audio)
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 How to pronounce shortsighted (audio)
: nearsighted
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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