obscurity

(ŏb-skyo͝orˈĭ-tē, əb-)

1. Deficiency or absence of light; darkness.
2. a. The quality or condition of being unknown: “Even utter obscurity need not be an obstacle to [political] success” (New Republic).
   b. One that is unknown.
3. a. 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).
   b. An instance of being imperfectly known or difficult to understand.