blind spot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighNeutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “blind spot” mean?
An area that cannot be seen directly, either physically (as with vision or vehicles) or metaphorically (as with knowledge or awareness).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An area that cannot be seen directly, either physically (as with vision or vehicles) or metaphorically (as with knowledge or awareness).
A subject or area in which a person consistently fails to exercise judgment or understanding; a prejudice or bias of which one is unaware.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both BrE and AmE.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in AmE in automotive safety contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “blind spot” in a Sentence
[subject] has a blind spot for/about [object][subject]'s blind spot is [complement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blind spot” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The lorry's blind spot on the nearside is particularly hazardous.
- He has a curious blind spot when it comes to modern art.
American English
- Always check your blind spot before changing lanes on the highway.
- Her management style revealed a blind spot for team morale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to a market segment or risk a company fails to perceive.
Academic
Used in psychology and sociology to describe cognitive biases.
Everyday
Commonly used when driving or discussing personal shortcomings.
Technical
Used in optics, ophthalmology, and automotive engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blind spot”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blind spot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blind spot”
- Using 'blind point' (incorrect).
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'He has blind spot').
- Confusing with 'black spot' (a place of danger or misfortune).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, typically hyphenated ('blind-spot') only when used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., 'blind-spot monitoring').
No, it is solely a noun. You cannot 'blind spot' something.
A 'blind spot' implies a lack of awareness of the weakness itself, whereas a 'weakness' can be known or unknown.
It is neutral and acceptable in both formal technical writing and informal conversation.
An area that cannot be seen directly, either physically (as with vision or vehicles) or metaphorically (as with knowledge or awareness).
Blind spot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪnd ˌspɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪnd ˌspɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have a blind spot about something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a driver checking mirrors but missing a spot that is 'blind' to them.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / IGNORANCE IS BLINDNESS
Practice
Quiz
In a psychological context, a 'blind spot' most closely refers to: