Short-sighted

Short-sighted describes a person or action that lacks foresight and fails to consider the long-term consequences. It implies a narrow focus on immediate gains or present circumstances, often at the expense of future possibilities or potential problems. This perspective frequently neglects broader implications and relevant context, resulting in poor judgment and ultimately, potentially detrimental outcomes. The term can be applied to individuals, decisions, policies, or strategies that prioritize short-term benefits over sustainable or advantageous long-term solutions. It suggests a limited understanding of the interconnectedness of events and a failure to anticipate future needs or challenges.

Short-sighted meaning with examples

• The company's decision to cut research and development spending to boost short-term profits was a Short-sighted move. It may provide immediate financial benefits but ultimately risks losing its competitive edge in the long run. The focus on quarterly results blinded them to the potential for innovative products, and the ability to respond to changing market conditions.
• Blaming immigrants for economic downturns is short-sighted. Such policies ignore the complex factors contributing to economic challenges and disregard the potential contributions of immigrants to economic growth and the workforce. This perspective breeds resentment and ultimately undermines the overall prosperity of the society.
• Investing in unsustainable energy sources is a Short-sighted approach. While it may temporarily fulfill energy demands, it fails to consider the long-term environmental damage and the eventual depletion of resources. This negates the benefits of long-term sustainability through the transition to renewables.
• Her belief that she could get away with lying to her friends was short-sighted. It disregarded the impact of betrayal on relationships, focusing only on the immediate avoidance of unpleasantness. Soon enough her friends stopped trusting her, isolating her from the support she needed.