noun
vertical thinking; linear thinking; rigid thinking
A yojijukugo used in psychology and problem-solving contexts, often contrasted with 水平思考 (lateral thinking). It refers to logical, step-by-step reasoning that follows established patterns, sometimes with a negative connotation of inflexibility.
垂直思考だけでは革新的なアイデアは生まれにくい。
Innovative ideas are hard to come by with vertical thinking alone.
この問題を解くには、垂直思考と水平思考の両方が必要だ。
Solving this problem requires both vertical and lateral thinking.