Word
obscurity
Obscurity is the state of being unknown, hard to understand, or not clearly seen.
Meanings
the state of being unknown or not widely noticed
lack of clarity; difficulty in understanding something
darkness or concealment that makes something hard to see
Definition
Obscurity means being hidden, not famous, or not widely known. It can also mean a lack of clarity, when something is difficult to understand or see. People may talk about a writer living in obscurity, or a topic being explained with obscurity. The word often suggests that something is outside public attention or unclear to others.
Examples
- The singer rose from obscurity after her first hit went viral.
- His writing style adds obscurity to an otherwise simple argument.
- The village lay in obscurity, far from major roads and cities.
- Years of obscurity ended when a publisher rediscovered her novels.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse obscurity (being unknown or unclear) with obscureness or use it when they mean security or privacy.
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