Tunnel-visioned describes a state of being focused narrowly on a single goal, idea, or task, often at the expense of considering other relevant information, perspectives, or potential consequences. It implies a lack of flexibility and an inability to see the bigger picture or adapt to changing circumstances. This can manifest as an obsessive pursuit of a specific objective while neglecting other vital aspects of a situation or project, leading to potential pitfalls. It is characterized by a limited scope of awareness and an unwavering commitment to a chosen path, sometimes to a detrimental degree.
Tunnel-visioned meaning with examples
- The project manager, tunnel-visioned on meeting the deadline, ignored crucial quality control checks, resulting in a product riddled with defects. His singular focus on time blinded him to the long-term impact of his decisions, ultimately requiring costly rework and damaging the company's reputation. He failed to see the importance of comprehensive planning.
- During the negotiations, the CEO was tunnel-visioned on securing the lowest price, overlooking the potential benefits of a long-term partnership with the supplier. This narrow focus prevented her from considering other crucial factors, such as the supplier's reliability and shared values, ultimately resulting in a bad deal for the company.
- The detective, tunnel-visioned on the prime suspect, dismissed key evidence that pointed to a different perpetrator, causing a miscarriage of justice. His unwavering belief in his initial assessment led him to overlook alternative theories and critical details, hindering the investigation's progress and allowing the real criminal to remain free.
- The athlete, tunnel-visioned on winning, neglected his physical health, pushing himself to exhaustion and risking injury. While his determination was admirable, his single-minded pursuit of victory blinded him to the needs of his body, ultimately impacting his performance and jeopardizing his long-term career.