# blindness

/ˈbɫaɪndnəs/ (US) · /blˈaɪndnəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blindness
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. unable to see

noun · CEFR B1

the condition of being unable to see because of injury or illness.

For teachers: the physiological state of total or partial sightlessness. Uncountable in its general sense.

- He didn't let his blindness stop him from becoming a successful musician.
- Advances in retinal implants offer new hope for patients suffering from degenerative blindness caused by genetic conditions.

### 2. lack of understanding

noun · CEFR B2

a failure to notice or understand something that is happening.

For teachers: a figurative lack of mental or moral discernment; a state of being unaware or heedless.

- The company's blindness to new technology led to its eventual failure.
- The administration was criticized for its willful blindness regarding the environmental impact of the new industrial project.

### 3. concealment

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

the act of hiding something from view.

For teachers: the state of being hidden or the act of concealment. This sense is no longer used in modern conversation.

- The thick fog provided a blindness that allowed the scouts to move unseen.
- In the ancient text, the forest's blindness is described as a protective veil for the fleeing prince.

## Examples

- Blindness can result from injury or disease.
- The doctor explained that early treatment could prevent permanent blindness.
- Despite his blindness, he navigated the crowded city streets with remarkable confidence and independence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.