tunnel vision
noun
1
: constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision
2
: extreme narrowness of viewpoint : narrow-mindedness
also
: single-minded concentration on one objective
Examples of tunnel vision in a Sentence
His tunnel vision made sensible discussions on political issues nearly impossible.
Recent Examples on the Web
This tunnel vision places organizations in a weakened and limited position, unable to quickly, effectively and comprehensively analyze, contain and eliminate a broad spectrum of cyber risks.
—
David Schiffer, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
Securing retirement happiness often requires fighting against financial tunnel vision.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
However, during another round of interviews shared by the Kansas City Chiefs on February 7, Kelce confirmed that the tunnel vision goes both ways.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2024
According to Markus, the paradox lies in success leading to tunnel vision.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, who co-wrote the screenplay with Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers and Zach Baylin, has constructed a work that suffers from the same tunnel vision as other movies of this ilk.
—Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024
There was investigative tunnel vision—going after the Schweitzer brothers even after the facts failed to support that case.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2024
The pitch-dark periphery engulfing the stage, a signature of the director Michael Greif, encourages such moments of tunnel vision, though O’Hara accomplishes the effect on her own.
—Naveen Kumar, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2024
So that is the scary part, is that the confirmation bias and tunnel vision will just lead them to do nothing.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2024
David Schiffer, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
Securing retirement happiness often requires fighting against financial tunnel vision.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
However, during another round of interviews shared by the Kansas City Chiefs on February 7, Kelce confirmed that the tunnel vision goes both ways.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2024
According to Markus, the paradox lies in success leading to tunnel vision.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, who co-wrote the screenplay with Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers and Zach Baylin, has constructed a work that suffers from the same tunnel vision as other movies of this ilk.
—Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024
There was investigative tunnel vision—going after the Schweitzer brothers even after the facts failed to support that case.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2024
The pitch-dark periphery engulfing the stage, a signature of the director Michael Greif, encourages such moments of tunnel vision, though O’Hara accomplishes the effect on her own.
—Naveen Kumar, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2024
So that is the scary part, is that the confirmation bias and tunnel vision will just lead them to do nothing.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tunnel vision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near tunnel vision
Cite this Entry
“Tunnel vision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tunnel%20vision. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
tunnel vision
noun1
: narrowing of the field of vision resulting in loss of side vision
2
: a tendency to be extremely focused on something or on a part of something (as a problem or plan) while ignoring other factors
Medical Definition
tunnel vision
noun
: constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision
More from Merriam-Webster on tunnel vision
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tunnel vision
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