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.
The resurgence in interest – not to mention monetary value – suggests that the technology is resilient and unlikely to simply fade into obscurity, as was predicted during its slump. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 Georgescu, who had reportedly declared zero campaign spending, had catapulted from obscurity to win the first round of the presidential vote on Nov. 24. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024 Why not go straight to Gunn’s Superman film, and save the quirky obscurities until after the brand has been more properly rebooted. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024 And all Holly has to do is pull a little con on ’80s starlet Mariah McKay (Turner), a rich recluse who has faded into a Norma Desmond-like obscurity. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near obscurity

Cite this Entry

“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscurity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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!