What does longsighted mean?
Longsighted means having difficulty focusing on nearby objects, a condition commonly associated with hyperopia and often becoming more noticeable with age. It can also describe someone or something that considers future consequences, such as a longsighted plan or investment. In the literal sense, the word is a descriptive alternative to farsighted, while in figurative use it conveys prudence and awareness of long-term effects. The contrast with shortsighted is especially useful because it captures both a familiar visual condition and a familiar criticism of poor planning. Although longsighted is often used in everyday English rather than formal medical writing, its figurative sense appears widely in business, education, and public discussion.
adjectiveHaving difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, especially when focusing on close detail. It can also describe a person or plan that shows foresight or considers long-term consequences.
- Having difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, particularly when reading or focusing on close detail.
- Showing good judgment about future consequences; acting with foresight.
"As she grew longsighted, she began wearing reading glasses in her late thirties."
"The optician explained that her longsightedness had developed gradually."
"A longsighted investment in renewable energy can reduce costs over the long term."
Longsighted is a useful word for both an eye condition and the kind of thinking that looks beyond the present moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does longsighted come from?
The word is formed by combining long with sighted, using the sense of having long or distant vision. Its medical meaning follows the older contrast between longsightedness and shortsightedness. The suffix -sighted is related to sight and appears in words such as sighted, insight, and foresight, all of which involve seeing or understanding.
Related word forms
How longsighted is actually used
In medical contexts, longsighted is an informal alternative to farsighted or hyperopic. In figurative use, it is often complimentary and means attentive to future consequences, though it can contrast with shortsighted or myopic thinking.
Easily confused with longsighted
Farsighted is a common synonym for longsighted when referring to difficulty focusing on nearby objects, while longsighted can also be used figuratively for prudent, long-term thinking.
Shortsighted describes difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, whereas longsighted describes difficulty focusing on nearby objects.