shortsightedness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shortsightedness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of foresight or consideration for the future in decision-making or planning. Example: "The company's shortsightedness in ignoring market trends ultimately led to its decline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WHAT'S not to enjoy about a book full of monstrous egos, unimaginable sums of money and the punishment of greed and shortsightedness by the march of events?

The Economist

They have, he says, encouraged shortsightedness, the black economy and consumption, while discouraging education and failing to prepare firms for change.By depending on a single industry, clusters have also left regions vulnerable to shifts in business power.

The Economist

But, in terms of fiscal shortsightedness, the message is much more worrying.At most, the attempt to roll back the Bush legacy is a limited one.

The Economist

A further example concerns market failures in buildings, where the shortsightedness or lack of understanding of some renters or buyers together with capital-market constraints imply that beneficial opportunities for energy efficiency may not be taken.

The Economist

The search by speculative grammarians for a universal grammar has been criticized as the result of their shortsightedness: the privileged, predominant position of Latin in their culture made "universality" seem more likely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The album's closer is an affecting jeremiad against video games, bling, ahistorical media, and spiritual shortsightedness.

The New Yorker

Still, its political shortsightedness is astounding, and the idea that we would revert to the unsuccessful immigration-control methods of a dubious 1954 campaign is absurd and depressing.

The New Yorker

It causes, they write, "a state of shortsightedness in which superficially understood, immediate aspects of experience have a disproportionate influence on behavior and emotion".

The New Yorker

Amazon chided Orwell for his shortsightedness: "[W]hen a thing has been done a certain way for a long time, resisting change can be a reflexive instinct, and the powerful interests of the status quo are hard to move.

The New Yorker

It was my shortsightedness that I felt when she married him that she was giving up her chance for political power".

The New Yorker

Taking a harsh stand against immigration, he says, "is unbelievable shortsightedness," because it ignores a fundamental truth about elections: "Issues are not how voters decide.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategic planning or decision-making, use "shortsightedness" to critique a lack of consideration for long-term consequences. For example: "The company's "shortsightedness" in ignoring environmental concerns led to significant backlash."

Common error

Avoid using "shortsightedness" when you mean someone is simply focused on the present moment. "Shortsightedness" specifically refers to a failure to consider future implications, not just a present-time orientation.

Linguistic Context

"Shortsightedness" primarily functions as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the quality or state of lacking foresight. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing various examples where "shortsightedness" is used to describe a deficiency in planning or vision, aligning with its role as a noun representing an abstract concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shortsightedness" is a noun denoting a lack of foresight or a failure to consider the long-term consequences of actions and decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media and formal discussions. It's often employed to criticize decisions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. While synonyms like "lack of foresight" or "myopia" exist, "shortsightedness" provides a balance of formality suitable for most situations. Remember to use "shortsightedness" when a failure to plan for future implications is the core issue, rather than simply a focus on the present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of foresight

Focuses on the absence of planning for the future.

lack of vision

Emphasizes the absence of a strategic outlook.

myopia

A more technical term, often used in business contexts.

near-sightedness

Directly relates to a literal inability to see far ahead.

limited perspective

Highlights a restricted viewpoint or understanding.

failure to plan ahead

Specifically points out the act of not preparing for the future.

inability to anticipate

Focuses on not being able to predict future outcomes.

tunnel vision

Implies a narrow focus, missing the broader context.

lack of long-term thinking

Stresses the absence of considering the distant future.

imprudence

Highlights a lack of careful consideration and wisdom.

FAQs

How can I use "shortsightedness" in a sentence?

"Shortsightedness" is used to describe a lack of consideration for the future consequences of an action or decision. For example: "The government's "shortsightedness" in cutting funding for education will have long-term negative effects."

What are some synonyms for "shortsightedness"?

Synonyms for "shortsightedness" include "lack of foresight", "myopia", and "lack of vision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "shortsightedness" a formal or informal term?

"Shortsightedness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical settings, "myopia" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "shortsightedness" and "impulsivity"?

"Shortsightedness" refers to a failure to consider future consequences, while "impulsivity" refers to acting without thinking in the present moment. While related, "impulsivity" doesn't necessarily imply a lack of long-term planning; it's more about immediate action.