'short-sightedness' originates from the combination of 'short' and 'sightedness', where 'short' meant 'lacking in length' and 'sightedness' referred to 'the ability to see'.

'short-sightedness' evolved from the Old English word 'sceort' (short) and 'gesiht' (sight), eventually forming the modern English term.

Initially, it meant 'lacking in sight', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'myopia' and 'lack of foresight'.