opacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "opacity" is correct and is used in many forms of written English.
It is typically used to refer to the quality of not being transparent or easily seen through. For example: "The opacity of the clouds created an eerie atmosphere as the sky became increasingly grey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opacity of all this suggests a very high confidence that 18- to 21-year-olds don't read manifestos.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all her avowed interest in the drama of humanity, Denis is vague to the point of opacity about her own family life.

The Guardian - Film

Related: Cutting the cord: a look at the pros and cons of quitting cable After devoting far too many hours of my life to studying the economics of various possible bundles applied to a single account – mine – I can only conclude that their complexity and opacity might make them a suitable subject for study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The Guardian - Money

Those who object to such gatherings believe such opacity is a cover for inaction.

The Economist

To anyone who asks, "Surely these big firms wouldn't pay out if they knew they were innocent?", the answer is: oddly enough, they might.Perhaps the most destructive part of it all is the secrecy and opacity.

The Economist

The story behind the most spectacular corporate roller-coaster ride in memory is impossible to tell in full detail yet, thanks to the secrecy and opacity for which Enron is notorious.

The Economist

To some extent, this opacity helps Western Union, by sparing it negative publicity.

The Economist

The banks' share prices had come under pressure partly because of concerns about the opacity of data on bank debt and company earnings, and partly on concerns about the economy.

The Economist

But such is the industry's opacity that many analysts reckon the real figure could be at least double that.

The Economist

Their scale and the dizzying variety and opacity of their strategies make regulators worry that, should a hedge fund implode, it could damage the whole financial system.

The Economist

This week's news brought more gripes about the opacity of the rescue.In the latest bankruptcy by a big newspaper publisher, the holding company for MediaNews said it planned to file for Chapter 11 in a prepackaged agreement with creditors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opacity" when referring to a state of being unclear or not easily understood, particularly in contexts involving data, decisions, or systems. Ensure the subject you're describing truly lacks transparency, not just simplicity.

Common error

Avoid using "opacity" when you actually mean complexity. "Opacity" implies a deliberate or inherent lack of transparency, while complexity simply means something is intricate or difficult to understand due to its many parts. A complex system isn't necessarily opaque if its workings are clearly documented, even if hard to grasp.

Linguistic Context

The noun "opacity" primarily functions to describe the state or quality of being opaque, whether in a literal sense (not allowing light to pass through) or, more commonly, in a figurative sense (difficult to understand). Ludwig examples confirm this, demonstrating its use in discussing complex systems and vague language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opacity" is a noun that refers to the quality of lacking transparency or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in the context of News & Media and Formal & Business writing. When using "opacity", ensure you intend to convey a lack of transparency rather than simply complexity. Consider alternatives like "lack of transparency" or "vagueness" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Ludwig's examples highlight its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian, cementing its status as a term used in describing intricate and often concerning situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opaqueness

A direct synonym, emphasizing the quality of being opaque.

lack of transparency

Emphasizes the absence of openness and visibility.

lack of clarity

Focuses on the absence of clear understanding or definition.

obfuscation

Highlights the act of making something obscure or unclear.

vagueness

Stresses the lack of precision or detail.

ambiguity

Indicates the possibility of multiple interpretations.

inscrutability

Highlights the difficulty of understanding or interpreting.

impermeability

Focuses on the inability to penetrate or see through.

lack of explicitness

Highlights the absence of direct or unambiguous expression.

unintelligibility

Stresses the inability to be understood.

FAQs

How can I use "opacity" in a sentence?

You can use "opacity" to describe the quality of something that is not transparent or easily understood. For example, "The "opacity" of the government's financial dealings raised concerns among the public".

What words can I use instead of "opacity"?

Alternatives to "opacity" include "lack of transparency", "vagueness", "ambiguity", or "opaqueness" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the opacity is high"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can say "the "opacity" is high" to indicate a strong lack of transparency or clarity.

What's the difference between "opacity" and "secrecy"?

"Opacity" refers to the quality of being difficult to see through or understand, while "secrecy" implies a deliberate effort to conceal information. Something can have "opacity" without being intentionally hidden, while "secrecy" always involves intentional concealment.