myopic
What does "myopic" mean?
At its most literal level, myopic describes the medical condition of nearsightedness, where distant objects appear blurry while close ones remain clear. Metaphorically, it describes a person or a plan that lacks foresight, failing to consider the long-term consequences or the broader context of a situation. You will typically encounter this word in professional or academic contexts to criticize a decision that is too focused on immediate results at the expense of the future. It carries a slightly negative tone, implying that the person's "vision" or perspective is narrow, limited, or shortsighted.
"myopic" in conversation
Discussing business strategy
If we cut the research budget now, we'll save money this quarter.
If we cut the research budget now, we'll save money this quarter.
That’s a very myopic view, Sarah. We’ll lose our competitive edge in a year.
That’s a very myopic view, Sarah. We’ll lose our competitive edge in a year.
Used here to point out that the current plan ignores future negative outcomes.
Discussing city planning
Why are they building more parking instead of better transit?
Why are they building more parking instead of better transit?
It's a myopic approach to traffic management.
It's a myopic approach to traffic management.
Highlights a failure to see the 'big picture' of urban development.
"myopic" in a sentence
The doctor confirmed that my vision is slightly myopic.
The doctor confirmed that my vision is slightly myopic.
It was myopic of the board to focus only on short-term profits.
It was myopic of the board to focus only on short-term profits.
His myopic refusal to acknowledge climate change will have dire consequences for the company's legacy.
His myopic refusal to acknowledge climate change will have dire consequences for the company's legacy.
