visibility

[ viz-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the state or fact of being visible.
2. the relative ability to be seen under given conditions of distance, light, atmosphere, etc.:

   low visibility due to fog.

3. Also called visual range. Meteorology. the distance at which a given standard object can be seen and identified with the unaided eye.
4. the ability to give a relatively large range of unobstructed vision:

   a windshield with good visibility.

5. Typography. legibility ( def 2 ).

visibility

/ ˌvɪzɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition or fact of being visible
2. clarity of vision or relative possibility of seeing
3. the range of vision

   visibility is 500 yards

Other Words From

• inter·visi·bili·ty noun
• nonvis·i·bili·ty noun plural nonvisibilities
• previs·i·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of visibility¹

1575–85; < Late Latin vīsibilitās, equivalent to Latin vīsibili ( s ) visible + -tās -ty ²

Example Sentences

A decade ago, LGBTQ+ communities were gaining greater visibility and acceptance in China’s traditionally conservative society.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the main actors’ high visibility on Netflix may have helped the film appeal among younger viewers, including Ryder on “Stranger Things” and Jenna Ortega in “Wednesday.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Community policing teams are carrying out additional, high visibility patrols of the area."

From BBC

Several northern states have been experiencing toxic air and poor visibility over the past few weeks.

From BBC

There have been reports of flights to and from Delhi being cancelled or delayed due to low visibility.

From BBC