visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvi-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

a

: the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean)

specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye

b

: capability of being readily noticed

c

: capability of affording an unobstructed view

d

: publicity sense 2d

3

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

Examples of visibility in a Sentence

The extra publicity helped to increase the company's visibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Italian textile pipeline has proven resilient in the past but the lack of visibility into the fashion industry’s outlook, even short term, is dampening the ability to channel investments. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 24 June 2024

That high-profile role raised Bakewell’s visibility citywide, giving him a license to operate from the halls of power to the city’s most troubled blocks. —Sandy Banks, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024

Back then Los Angeles was so choked out by smog that visibility dropped to dangerously low levels, and now there are more cars on California roads than ever before. —Logan Carter / Jalopnik, Quartz, 21 June 2024

Heading into Short n’ Sweet, the amount of visibility Carpenter is experiencing has grown tenfold. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: the degree of clearness of the atmosphere

Medical Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation