visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvi-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

a

: the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean)

specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye

b

: capability of being readily noticed

c

: capability of affording an unobstructed view

d

: publicity sense 2d

3

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

Examples of visibility in a Sentence

The extra publicity helped to increase the company's visibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

The outpouring of research has brought enormous visibility to how these fragments permeate our daily lives. —Will Stone, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

While other states have had visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog, Georgia has a visibility of one half mile or less, according to the weather service. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Programs are frequently confined to a small group of employees or lack the necessary communication and visibility to attract participation. —Andy Lopata, ben Afia, ruth Gotian, Harvard Business Review, 17 Dec. 2024

But this craving for visibility was precariously perched atop fears for his own sanity. —Michael S. Roth, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: the degree of clearness of the atmosphere

Medical Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation