Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unable to see distant objects clearly; nearsighted: This is the primary medical or optical meaning, describing a condition of the eye where light focuses in front of the retina, making far-away objects appear blurry.
   • Lacking foresight, discernment, or long-range perspective; short-sighted: This is a figurative meaning, describing a narrow-minded or limited viewpoint that fails to consider future consequences or broader implications.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Medical/Optical):

  • She is myopic and needs to wear glasses for driving.
  • Myopic vision can often be corrected with contact lenses.

• Figurative (Lack of Foresight):

  • The company's myopic focus on quarterly profits hurt its long-term innovation.
  • A myopic approach to environmental policy ignores the needs of future generations.

Advanced Usage

• "Myopically" (Adverb): In a manner that lacks foresight or long-term perspective.
  • The board acted myopically by cutting all research funding.

Variants and Related Words

• Myopia (Noun): The condition of being myopic, used for both the literal and figurative senses.
  • The economic plan suffered from a profound myopia.
  • Laser surgery can correct myopia.

Synonyms

• Literal: Nearsighted, short-sighted.
• Figurative: Short-sighted, unimaginative, narrow-minded, unperceptive, imprudent.

Antonyms

• Literal: Farsighted, hyperopic.
• Figurative: Farsighted, visionary, prudent, discerning, prescient.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To take a myopic view": To consider a situation with a narrow, short-term focus.
  • Taking a myopic view of education funding will damage the country's future.

Adjective

1. lacking foresight or scope
   • a short view of the problem
   • shortsighted policies
   • shortsighted critics derided the plan
   • myopic thinking
2. unable to see distant objects clearly