forward-thinking
forward-thinking — noun
1. the practice of considering what may happen in the future and making suitable pr
the practice of considering what may happen in the future and making suitable preparations for it
The city's forward-thinking on climate change led to better flood defenses along the river.
collocation: show / demonstrate / require forward-thinking
Rachid's forward-thinking helped the startup survive its first difficult year.
Sustainable farming requires forward-thinking about soil health and water use across seasons.
Without the board's forward-thinking, the hospital would have closed during the financial crisis.
- foresight
emphasises the ability to predict future events, not the active planning that forward-thinking includes
- vision
more about an inspiring long-term image of the future; less about practical preparation
- forethought
focuses on thinking ahead before acting, often in smaller-scale or immediate decisions
- short-sightedness
focusing only on immediate needs without considering the future
- myopia
formal term for a narrow, present-focused perspective
文法句型
forward-thinking + about + noun phrase
show / demonstrate forward-thinking
用法筆記
Unlike 'foresight', which emphasises the ability to predict what will happen, forward-thinking places more weight on actively planning and preparing based on those predictions.
常見錯誤
forward-thinking — adjective
1. making decisions or plans that take into account future needs and possibilities,
making decisions or plans that take into account future needs and possibilities, rather than only focusing on the present
A forward-thinking company invests in employee training even when the economy is weak.
The principal hired Meera for her forward-thinking ideas about teaching digital skills in primary school.
collocation: forward-thinking ideas / approach / policy
Caleb proposed a forward-thinking plan to turn the old factory into affordable housing for families.
Justin is known as a forward-thinking architect who designs buildings with natural cooling in mind.
- forward-looking
very close in meaning; slightly more common in political and economic contexts
- progressive
stronger emphasis on social reform and change; can carry political connotations
- visionary
suggests someone has an unusually clear or inspiring picture of the future
- proactive
focuses on taking action before problems arise, not necessarily long-term planning
- short-sighted
failing to consider future consequences
- backward-looking
focused on past methods rather than future possibilities
文法句型
forward-thinking + noun
be + forward-thinking
用法筆記
Common in business, education, and public policy contexts. Can describe both people (a forward-thinking manager) and things (a forward-thinking policy). Typically positive in tone.