obscurity

noun

ob·​scu·​ri·​ty äb-ˈskyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce obscurity (audio)
əb-
plural obscurities
1
: one that is obscure
… peppered with quotes from … heavy hitters, as well as some downright obscurities.Penelope Green
2
: the quality or state of being obscure
novels that have faded into obscurity

Examples of obscurity in a Sentence

In recent years, the tradition has emerged from obscurity. He has been living in relative obscurity in a small town in the mountains. After a promising first novel, she faded into obscurity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For one night, Miami can relive the heyday of Overtown’s famous Black hotel The heyday of popular Overtown nightclub the Knight Beat inside the Sir John Hotel have faded into obscurity. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 Compensation screened at Sundance in 2000, receiving positive notices from critics like Roger Ebert and landed an Independent Spirit nod before falling into obscurity. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025 The soundtrack has long since fallen into obscurity; it was never released on CD in the United States and is unavailable on streaming services. Ben Sisario, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 While many TikTok-viral fragrances fade into obscurity, Golden Rule has maintained its momentum through genuine word-of-mouth praise. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscurity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English obscurite, borrowed from Anglo-French oscurté, obscurité, borrowed from Latin obscūritāt-, obscūritās, from obscūrus "dim, dark, imperfectly known, concealed from knowledge, incomprehensible" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at obscure entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of obscurity was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscurity. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

obscurity

noun
ob·​scu·​ri·​ty äb-ˈskyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce obscurity (audio)
əb-
plural obscurities
1
: something that is obscure
2
: the quality or state of being obscure

More from Merriam-Webster on obscurity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!