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

tunnel-visioned

ˈtə-nᵊl-ˈvi-zhənd 

adjective

Examples of tunnel vision in a Sentence

His tunnel vision made sensible discussions on political issues nearly impossible.

Recent Examples on the Web

Readers will recall that bipartisan immigration reform legislation collapsed earlier this year in the face of Republican opposition — a truly regrettable act of partisanship encouraged by former President Donald Trump, who sees the issue through self-serving tunnel vision. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2024

The conflict with Ukraine and, more broadly, the existential confrontation with the West have profoundly reinforced a sense of tunnel vision among the Russian elites. —Tatiana Stanovaya, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2024

Interviews with officials and people who know Nabiullina reveal a person who developed tunnel vision around the economy as the war rages on. —Rachel Ventresca, Fortune Europe, 7 June 2024

Like all disciplines, that creates a kind of tunnel vision. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tunnel vision

noun

1

: 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