Obscurity: meaning, definitions and examples

When discussing something that is difficult to understand or known by very few people.

• The author's early works remain in relative obscurity; He rose from obscurity to fame in just a few years

Used when someone is not familiar with or knowledgeable about a subject or place.

• Her unfamiliarity with the culture made her feel out of place; He struggled with the unfamiliarity of the new software

Used when something is unclear because it can have multiple meanings or interpretations. Often relevant in communication, literature, or law.

• The ambiguity of his statement left everyone confused; Legal documents should be free of ambiguity

Refers to something not easily seen or understood, often because it is hidden or not well-known. It is a rarer term than 'obscurity'.

• The obscureness of the village made it a perfect hideout; The text's obscureness made it challenging to interpret

Use 'obscurity' when referring to something not well-known or difficult to understand. It often implies a lack of clarity in meaning.

• The poet lived in obscurity for most of his life
• Due to the technical jargon, the manual remained in obscurity for many readers

Use 'darkness' when referring to the absence of light, either literally or figuratively. It can also imply a sense of mystery or foreboding.

• The room was plunged into darkness when the power went out
• He felt an overwhelming darkness engulfing his thoughts

Use 'opacity' when referring to something's inability to allow light to pass through it. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something difficult to understand.

• The opacity of the glass prevented anyone from seeing inside
• His writing is criticized for its opacity

Use 'concealment' when referring to the act of hiding something or someone. It implies a deliberate effort to keep something secret.

• The criminal's concealment of evidence was quickly discovered by the detectives
• The rabbit found concealment under the bush

Use when referring to something not well-known or hidden. It often implies a lack of fame or difficulty in understanding something.

• The artist remained in obscurity for most of his life
• The text was written in such obscurity that few could understand it

Commonly used to refer to something that is unknown or difficult to explain, often generating curiosity or interest.

• The cause of the accident remains a mystery
• The detective enjoys solving a good mystery

Best used when describing something or someone puzzling or difficult to understand. It often implies a sense of intrigue or fascination.

• Her sudden disappearance remains an enigma
• He is an enigma to his colleagues

Applies when discussing the quality of being impossible to understand or interpret. It's often used in a more formal or intellectual context.

• The inscrutability of his motives baffled everyone
• The scientist's inscrutability made him difficult to approach