What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oblivion
Example
The once-famous actor fell into oblivion after his scandalous behavior was exposed. [oblivion: noun]
Example
The patient was under anesthesia and in a state of oblivion during the surgery. [oblivion: noun]
obscurity
Example
The author's early works were largely ignored and remained in obscurity until after her death. [obscurity: noun]
Example
The meaning of the ancient text is still shrouded in obscurity, despite years of study. [obscurity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obscurity is more commonly used than oblivion in everyday language. Obscurity is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while oblivion is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oblivion and obscurity?
Both oblivion and obscurity are formal words, but oblivion may be considered more formal due to its association with philosophical and literary contexts.
