What does obscured mean?
Obscured means hidden, covered, or made difficult to see, notice, or understand. The word is especially common when describing a view concealed by mist, cloud, darkness, vegetation, or another object, as in “the mountains were obscured by fog.” It can also describe information, meaning, or significance that has become unclear or difficult to recognize. “Obscured” is the past-tense and past-participle form of the verb “obscure” and the corresponding adjective form of “obscure.” Its force is often milder than that of words such as “concealed”: an obscured object may still be present, but an intervening condition prevents a clear view. In figurative contexts, the word suggests that something important has been made harder to perceive or understand.
Hidden from view or made difficult to see, notice, or understand.
"The peak remained obscured by clouds throughout the afternoon."
Often used with “by,” “partially,” “largely,” or “completely” to describe the degree or cause of concealment.
To hide something from view or make it difficult to see, notice, or understand.
"The storm obscured the coastline for several hours."
This is the past-tense and past-participle form of the verb “obscure.”
A view can be obscured without disappearing: enough mist, shadow, or interference can make what was once clear impossible to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obscured come from?
The word comes from the Latin “obscurus,” meaning dark, dim, or unclear, which developed through Old French into English “obscure.” The suffix “-ed” forms the past tense and past participle, while “obscurity” is a later noun derived from the same Latin base. Related English forms include “obsolescent,” which refers to a word or practice becoming less commonly used.
Related word forms
How obscured is actually used
Common in formal and descriptive writing. It often describes something that remains present but cannot easily be seen or understood, rather than something that has vanished entirely.
Easily confused with obscured
Obscured is the past-tense and past-participle form of obscure, whereas obscure is the base adjective and verb.