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.
Kelce needn’t demonstrate expertise, and neither does the panel of celebrity-class obscurities: Nicole Byer, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ron Funches, Lala Kent, and Sophia Stallone, who each recall schoolroom nobodies. Armond White, National Review, 16 Oct. 2024 Trailblazers Some of the sharpest minds in science will be thrust from academic obscurity into the spotlight next week when the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and physiology or medicine are announced. Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Oct. 2024 Previously, supporting characters only played minor roles, and NPCs existed mostly just to make witty quips and fade back into obscurity. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024 Constructing an actual, reliable inventory increasingly important to do given that recent laws have not merely set up costly programs likely to slip into obscurity and non-oversight, but because those spending programs are also freighted with regulatory effect. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 22 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 30 Nov. 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
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