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When we want to express that an idea or action focuses only on the present and ignores the future, we often say it is shortsighted. Below, you’ll find several ways to say something is shortsighted along with simple examples to make them clearer and easier to understand.
Before you scroll down, take a moment to test yourself and see if you already know some of these phrases.
Choose the correct option:
It's (very) shortsighted.
= not thinking about the future or what might happen later
More examples:
Not saving money for the future is very shortsighted.
We shouldn't ignore the long-term effects of climate change. It's very shortsighted.
Dismissing other people's opinions without even considering them is really shortsighted.
This might/ could hurt us down the road.
= a decision we’re making now might cause problems in the future
More examples:
If we ignore this issue now, it might hurt us down the road.
Let’s just go with the cheapest supplier for now. - Sure, but this could hurt us down the road.
We don’t need to train the new staff thoroughly. - Hmm, this could hurt us down the road.
It’s just a quick fix.
= a fast and easy solution that doesn’t fully solve the problem
More examples:
Reducing marketing costs is just a quick fix. We need a long-term strategy.
Using freelancers to handle the workload is just a quick fix. We should hire a full-time team.
Lowering prices might increase sales for now, but it's just a quick fix.
It’s a temporary solution.
= something that works for now but won’t last long
More examples:
I know it’s just a temporary solution, but it’ll keep us going for now.
Using a backup server is just a temporary solution—we’ll need to get the main one fixed.
This will help for now, but let me be clear it’s just a temporary solution until we figure things out.
It overlooks...
= it doesn’t consider something important
More examples:
I appreciate the effort, but this plan overlooks the needs of our clients.
The analysis is thorough, but it overlooks regional market trends.
Their proposal seems pretty straightforward. - Maybe, but it overlooks the bigger picture.
I understand your perspective, but it overlooks the bigger picture.
It’s a band-aid solution.
= a temporary solution that only covers up the problem instead of fixing it
More examples:
Adding more marketing campaigns may increase sales temporarily, but it’s a band-aid solution if the product quality isn't improved.
It's all just a band-aid solution. Yes, they approved a small loan to help us. But let me be clear - we need a full financial restructuring to recover.
Giving employees small bonuses is a band-aid solution. What they really need is a better work-life balance.
Common ways to say something is shortsighted: takeaway
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