transparency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'transparency' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the quality or state of something being easily understood or seen through; typically to describe an organization's commitment to openness and accountability. For example: "The company's commitment to transparency ensures that all of its operations and decisions are open to public scrutiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A third principle riding atop these is transparency: the notion that government should be transparent by default and secret by necessity (and there are necessary secrets).

The Guardian - Opinion

We are not the only ones who want more transparency.

The Guardian - Tech

Anderson has said his review considered the safeguards to privacy, issues of transparency and oversight as well as the powers needed to meet the challenge of changing technologies.

The Guardian

Clinton first addressed the issue in March, shortly after transparency concerns were raised following reports that she used only a personal email account to conduct government business.

The Guardian

Headlines about mega-salaries for blockbusters suggest a degree of industry transparency.

The Guardian - Film

However, Thomas points to a lack of critical discussion and explanation of the very basis for Prevent's community work, the rationale for how some areas are selected rather than others, and a lack of transparency about the proportion of spending on combating different types of extremism.

The Guardian

But he has long cast himself as a man who prizes transparency.

The Guardian

In a particular blow to Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, and Richard Burr, the intelligence committee chairman, the Senate rejected a series of amendments that were designed to weaken the surveillance and transparency reforms contained in the USA Freedom Act.

The Guardian

"Because these incidents cannot be seen as isolated cases, the government of Mexico has called the Justice Department of the United States to follow the investigations of these cases through its Civil Rights Division and provide assurances that they are conducted with transparency and if necessary, that civil and criminal responsibilities are established," the foreign ministry said on Monday.

The Guardian

I want the new government to focus on one major project at a time to execute, complete and implement for greater accountability and transparency rather than trying to execute multiple projects which are often mismanaged, incomplete and abandoned," she said.

The Guardian

"Our transparency report is always evolving and it's helpful to have feedback like this so we know what information the public would find useful.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "transparency" in contexts where openness directly contributes to trust, accountability, or ethical conduct. Avoid overuse where secrecy is legitimately required.

Common error

Avoid assuming that increased "transparency" automatically solves all problems. While beneficial, it's crucial to combine it with effective oversight and enforcement mechanisms to achieve real improvements.

Linguistic Context

The noun "transparency" functions primarily to denote the quality of being transparent, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Ludwig shows examples related to government, business, and personal conduct, consistently highlighting the importance of openness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "transparency" is a very common term signifying openness, clarity, and accountability. As Ludwig points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including news, business, and science. While "openness", "accountability", and "candor" serve as viable alternatives, "transparency" uniquely emphasizes the quality of being easily seen and understood. To ensure effective communication, remember to be specific about the scope of information and couple increased "transparency" with robust oversight mechanisms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

openness

Focuses on the accessibility of information and actions.

accountability

Emphasizes responsibility and justification for actions.

candor

Highlights honesty and frankness in communication.

clarity

Stresses the ease of understanding and absence of ambiguity.

visibility

Implies that something is easily seen or noticeable.

disclosure

Highlights the act of revealing information.

forthrightness

Focuses on being direct and straightforward.

plain dealing

Highlights honesty and fairness in transactions.

lack of concealment

Emphasizes the absence of hidden information.

unobstructed view

Refers to the ability to see something clearly without barriers.

FAQs

How can I use "transparency" in a sentence?

"Transparency" is typically used to describe the quality of being open and honest. For example, "The organization is committed to transparency in its financial dealings."

What's the difference between "transparency" and "openness"?

While closely related, "transparency" emphasizes clarity and visibility, whereas "openness" focuses on accessibility and a willingness to share information.

Which is correct: "transparency" or "transparence"?

"Transparency" is the more commonly used and accepted term. "Transparence" is an older, less frequent variant.

What can I say instead of "transparency" in a business context?

In a business setting, you can use alternatives like "accountability", "disclosure", or "open communication" to convey similar meanings.