C2nounhistory
US/ˈhaɪnd.saɪt/
UK/ˈhaɪnd.saɪt/
the understanding of an event that you have only after it has happened
In context
With hindsight, the government should have acted much earlier.
In hindsight, the treaty only delayed the war for a few years.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but nobody could have predicted the crash.
Words that go with hindsight
noun + preposition
- with hindsightWith hindsight, I would have chosen a different career.
- in hindsightIn hindsight, the warning signs were obvious.
- benefit of hindsightWith the benefit of hindsight, historians can see the mistakes clearly.
- wisdom of hindsightIt is easy to criticize with the wisdom of hindsight.
noun + noun
- hindsight is a wonderful thingHindsight is a wonderful thing, but we had to decide quickly.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
In the hindsight, it was a bad idea.Correct: In hindsight, it was a bad idea.