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.
Now Ada is in charge of the purse strings and Agnes fears her own obscurity and irrelevance. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 June 2025 That drags out decisions, drives up costs, and pushes even strong products into obscurity. Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Insurers profit from obscurity – networks that shift, formularies that confuse, billing codes that few can decipher. Zachary W. Schulz, The Conversation, 6 June 2025 An Altadena ego death, where the community fades into suburban sprawl obscurity. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 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 7 Jul. 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
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