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

This kind of tunnel vision often leads to catastrophizing and an inability to see the bigger picture. —Ricky Muddimer, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

If major bugs were reported, your in-house team may have developed tunnel vision. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Colorful zig-zag lines flash in the corner of an eye, while the tunnel vision makes most of the view obscured. —Matthew Ponsford, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024

The Mills Fabrica makes its investment decisions based on this framework with the ultimate goal of avoiding carbon tunnel vision. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

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