Invisibility: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the state of being invisible, often in a magical, fictional, or scientific context.

• The wizard had the power of invisibility, disappearing from sight whenever he wished.
• Scientists are researching materials that could grant invisibility to objects.

Fits situations where something has not been seen or noticed. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

• The cat quietly slinked away, unseen by the humans.
• Much of the hard work that went into the project remained unseen by the audience.

Used when something cannot be detected or noticed, often in a scientific or technical sense.

• The virus remained undetectable in the early stages of infection.
• Advanced stealth technology made the aircraft nearly undetectable by radar.

Appropriate when something is concealed from view or not easily found. Can describe both physical and non-physical entities.

• The treasure was hidden beneath the old oak tree.
• Her emotions were hidden behind a mask of indifference.

Used when talking about the state of not being seen, often in a literal or magical context.

• The wizard cast a spell of invisibility
• The superhero's power included invisibility

Used when something or someone is not seen or recognized, often unintentionally.

• Her efforts went unnoticed by her colleagues
• The small detail went unnoticed in the report

Used when someone pays no attention to someone or something, often intentionally.

• She felt ignored when no one replied to her messages
• His suggestions were completely ignored during the meeting

Used when someone fails to notice something or someone, often unintentionally.

• The spelling error was overlooked by the editor
• She felt overlooked for the promotion