What does myopically mean?
Myopically means with a narrow focus that excludes wider perspectives or long-term consequences. The word is especially common in discussions of politics, business, education, and personal relationships, where describing someone’s outlook as myopic implies that they are attending closely to immediate interests while ignoring broader realities. For example, a company might act myopically if it maximizes this quarter’s profits at the expense of customer trust, employee welfare, or environmental responsibility. The adverb can also describe literal shortsightedness, though this use is relatively uncommon. Derived from the adjective myopic and ultimately from Greek terms referring to short-sighted vision, myopically is a precise way to identify a restricted field of attention. It is more evaluative than narrowly, suggesting not merely limited scope but a potentially shortsighted or self-serving concentration on one point.
adverbWith a narrow or self-interested focus, failing to consider broader or long-term implications. It can also mean, more literally, with the limited vision associated with shortsightedness.
- With a narrow focus, especially in a way that neglects broader consequences, perspectives, or long-term interests.
- With the limited visual focus associated with shortsightedness.
"The committee rejected the proposal because it had considered the issue too myopically."
"Investors who analyse the company myopically may overlook important changes in the wider market."
"The condition affected him mildly, but he still had difficulty reading anything myopically."
To see myopically is to focus so closely on one point that the entire landscape disappears.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does myopically come from?
Myopically derives from myopic, which entered English in the late seventeenth century from the Greek myōpos, meaning “short-sighted.” The Greek adjective was formed from myein, “to close,” and ops, “eye,” literally referring to a condition in which the vision is narrowed or closed. The related noun myopia uses the same root to name the visual condition of shortsightedness.
Related word forms
How myopically is actually used
The figurative sense is common in formal and professional contexts and often carries a mildly critical connotation, implying tunnel vision or excessive self-interest. The literal visual sense is less common.