bad eyesight

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad eyesight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's poor vision, generally in a figurative sense. For example, "You will need more than your bad eyesight to make an informed decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

("Ugly girlfriend? Bad eyesight").

The New York Times

He has bad eyesight.

The New York Times

I have pretty bad eyesight.

The New York Times

ART: TURNER'S EYES -- Can bad eyesight lead to great art?

The New York Times

Then there are the thousands of stitches and bad eyesight.

The New York Times

Liu was a farmer's son, small and thin, with bad eyesight and an overbite.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

They are the same kinds of babies babies are just babies!—but even before your bad baby eyesight can process anything a yard away from your gooey, glowy babyface, the people who are supposed to care for you are assuming that you're In Trouble.

Vice

(As you probably know, however, observing the sun with anything other than specially-designed solar telescopes is very bad for your eyesight and should never be done. So get the proper equipment or use a pinhole projector!) If, like me, you missed the previous transit in 2004, 2012 is your last chance to see this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, so mark your calendars!

Huffington Post

His eyesight was bad and he suffered from what would now be diagnosed as ulcerative colitis and regularly took opium as a pain killer.

The Guardian

Tom Newton Dunn is only two weeks into the job but he already knew the prime minister had bad handwriting and poor eyesight so his inclination was to ease up.

The Guardian

Shuster's eyesight was bad — he soon had to employ assistants to help him draw — and his wrist was so weak that he often wore it in a brace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "bad eyesight" to highlight a specific limitation or vulnerability. It is more direct and less clinical than "visual impairment".

Common error

Avoid substituting "bad eyesight" with overly formal or clinical terms like "visual deficiency" in informal contexts. The phrase is straightforward and widely understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad eyesight" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun (often referring to a person) to indicate a deficiency in visual acuity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s a common way to describe poor vision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad eyesight" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe poor vision. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While primarily used in news and media, it also appears frequently in informal contexts. Though "poor vision" and "visual impairment" exist as more technical alternatives, "bad eyesight" offers a straightforward and easily understood descriptor. The phrase's frequency and wide range of sources contribute to its high expert rating. Remember to choose your words carefully depending on the audience and context of the work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor vision

Broader term encompassing various types of vision impairment.

impaired vision

Formal and technical term for reduced visual capability.

weak eyesight

Implies a less severe form of visual impairment.

failing eyesight

Indicates a progressive decline in visual acuity.

visual impairment

A general term that includes a wide range of visual difficulties.

nearsightedness

Specific condition where distant objects appear blurry.

myopia

Medical term for nearsightedness.

difficulty seeing

Describes the experience of having reduced visual acuity.

vision problems

General term referring to issues with sight.

reduced visual acuity

Technical description of decreased sharpness of vision.

FAQs

How can I use "bad eyesight" in a sentence?

"Bad eyesight" can be used to describe a person's vision, as in, "His bad eyesight prevented him from becoming a pilot."

What's the difference between "bad eyesight" and "poor vision"?

While similar, "bad eyesight" is more colloquial. "Poor vision" is a broader and more clinical term that encompasses various visual impairments.

What can I say instead of "bad eyesight"?

You can use alternatives like "weak eyesight", "impaired vision", or "poor vision", depending on the context.

Is it offensive to use the term "bad eyesight"?

Generally, no. "Bad eyesight" is a common and widely understood term. However, consider the audience and context. In formal settings, a more technical term like "visual impairment" may be preferred.