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myopic

American  
[mahy-op-ik, -oh-pik] / maɪˈɒp ɪk, -ˈoʊ pɪk /

adjective

  1. Ophthalmology. pertaining to or having myopia; nearsighted.

  2. unable or unwilling to act prudently; shortsighted.

  3. lacking tolerance or understanding; narrow-minded.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of myopic

First recorded in 1790–1800; myop(ia) + -ic


Explanation

Myopic is an adjective meaning shortsighted in every sense. Whether you need glasses or a new attitude, if you can't see the forest for the trees, you're myopic. Myopic began as a description of the condition that made people squint and was easily cured with a pair of pink cat-eye glasses, but it came to include people or plans with a lack of foresight. Although it's good to live in the moment, it's not a compliment to be called myopic — a myopic party host might have festive decorations but no food for hungry guests, and myopic students have no interest in anything beyond what's on the test. In terms of pronunciation: it's a tomato/tomahto word: pronounce it "my-OP-ick" or "my-OH-pick," although that short o sound is preferred.

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Vocabulary lists containing myopic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“We just want to make sure that we set the near-term noise aside, because you can’t play the short-term myopic games,” he said, “but as a management team just play to win the long-term.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

Therein lies the multitude of problems with using generative AI for mainstream theatrical filmmaking, and Soderbergh’s myopic reasoning for implementing it.

From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2026

Researchers also observed additional disruptions in eye turning during accommodation and reduced effectiveness of eye blinks in triggering pupil constriction in myopic eyes.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026

Paramount’s lawyers in a letter accuse Warner of embarking on “a myopic process with a predetermined outcome that favors a single bidder.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2025

Flat-faced, rectangular, and brooding, the B-24 bad looks only a myopic mother could love.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

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