tunnel-visioned
Seeing only ahead
Tunnel-visioned describes someone focused so narrowly on one thing that they miss everything else around it.
The metaphor comes from tunnel vision, where peripheral sight is lost and only what's directly ahead remains visible.
Someone tunnel-visioned on a goal may ignore warning signs or alternative approaches: He was so tunnel-visioned about the promotion that he alienated everyone who could have helped him.
Unable to see far
- blinkeredHaving restricted outlook
- shortsightedUnable to see ahead
- constrictedMade narrower by pressure
- restrictedLimited in scope
limited · bounded · circumscribed · confined · boxed-in · hemmed-in · closed-off · insular
Devoted to one purpose
- intentPlanned purpose
- absorbedTook in fully
- engrossedWholly absorbed in something
- concentratedGathered or intensified
fixated · determined · dedicated · locked-in · laser-focused · unwavering · driven · resolute
Obsessively attached or focused
- preoccupiedMentally elsewhere, not present
- consumedFully used or eaten
- monomaniacalFixated on one idea
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
fanatical · relentless · dogged · persistent · intense · overzealous · all-consuming · blinded
Lacking knowledge of something
- blindLacking the sense of sight
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- inattentiveNot paying attention
- unseeingLacking visual perception
ignorant · unconscious · neglectful · dismissive · overlooking · deaf · imperceptive
Biased against a group
- bigotedStubbornly intolerant of others
- intolerantRejecting differing beliefs
- close-mindedUnreceptive to differing views
- unreceptiveUnwilling to accept ideas
sectarian · partisan · one-sided · blinded · dogmatic · opinionated · xenophobic · chauvinistic
Refusing to change course
- rigidUnable to bend
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unbendingRefusing to change position
intransigent · hardheaded · uncompromising · immovable · adamant · set · entrenched · stuck
myopic
Unable to see far
- blinkeredHaving restricted outlook
- shortsightedUnable to see ahead
- constrictedMade narrower by pressure
restricted · limited · bounded · circumscribed · confined · boxed-in · hemmed-in · closed-off · insular · parochial
single-minded
Devoted to one purpose
concentrated · fixated · determined · dedicated · locked-in · laser-focused · unwavering · driven · resolute · steadfast
fixated
Obsessively attached or focused
- preoccupiedMentally elsewhere, not present
- consumedFully used or eaten
- monomaniacalFixated on one idea
compulsive · fanatical · relentless · dogged · persistent · intense · overzealous · all-consuming · blinded · hyperfocused
unaware
Lacking knowledge of something
- blindLacking the sense of sight
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- inattentiveNot paying attention
unseeing · ignorant · unconscious · neglectful · dismissive · overlooking · deaf · imperceptive
prejudiced
Biased against a group
- bigotedStubbornly intolerant of others
- intolerantRejecting differing beliefs
- close-mindedUnreceptive to differing views
unreceptive · sectarian · partisan · one-sided · blinded · dogmatic · opinionated · xenophobic · chauvinistic · jingoistic
stubborn
Refusing to change course
- rigidUnable to bend
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
unbending · intransigent · hardheaded · uncompromising · immovable · adamant · set · entrenched · stuck · unswayable
- intolerantbigoted, biased, prejudiced, discriminatory, intolerant
tunnel-visionedbroad-minded
Receptive to differing views
panoramic · big-picture · wide-ranging · all-seeing · expansive
tunnel-visionedholistic
Addressing interconnected wholes
integrative · multidimensional · well-rounded · balanced · strategic
vision, tunnel, visionary, tunnels, visualize, visions, visualization, tunneled, tunneling