Obscurity is the opposite of fame, and living in obscurity means that nobody knows your name. Many musicians played in obscurity for years before becoming rock stars. The Latin obscurus means “dark,” which is where obscurity is found: in the dark where no one sees it.

Understanding the Context

The state or condition of being unknown, unnoticed, or lacking widespread recognition or understanding. "The actress rose from obscurity to become a household name overnight." It is characterized by being hidden, concealed, or unfamiliar, often resulting in a lack of prominence, fame, or clarity. MSN: From obscurity to fame: musicians who became legends after their death The meaning of OBSCURITY is one that is obscure. How to use obscurity in a sentence.

Key Insights

OBSCURITY definition: the state or quality of being obscure. See examples of obscurity used in a sentence. OBSCURITY meaning: 1. the state of not being known to many people: 2. the state of being not clear and difficult to….

Final Thoughts

Learn more. The quality or condition of being imperfectly known or difficult to understand: "writings meant to be understood ... by all, composed without deliberate obscurity or hidden motives" (National Review). There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun obscurity, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Definition of obscurity noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Obscurity is the state of being known by only a few people. Tom's showbiz career began when he was plucked from obscurity by director Stephen Daldry. The latter half of his life was spent in obscurity and loneliness.