fade into complete obscurity

Meaning

To gradually become completely forgotten, unknown, or unnoticed by the public. It describes a slow, steady decline in fame or relevance until the person or thing is no longer remembered.

Examples

• Many one-hit wonders enjoy a brief moment of fame before they fade into complete obscurity.

  Many one-hit wonders enjoy a brief moment of fame before they fade into complete obscurity.

• Without active promotion, even the most innovative technologies can fade into complete obscurity.

  Without active promotion, even the most innovative technologies can fade into complete obscurity.

• The silent film star chose to retire early and fade into complete obscurity.

  The silent film star chose to retire early and fade into complete obscurity.

• Over the decades, the once-popular novelist saw his works fade into complete obscurity.

  Over the decades, the once-popular novelist saw his works fade into complete obscurity.

• Determined not to fade into complete obscurity, the band constantly reinvented their sound.

  Determined not to fade into complete obscurity, the band constantly reinvented their sound.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The actor faded in complete obscurity.

  ✓ The actor faded into complete obscurity.

  The preposition 'into' is required to show movement or transition into a state of being forgotten.

• ✗ Many old trends fade into complete obscure.

  ✓ Many old trends fade into complete obscurity.

  'Obscure' is an adjective; you must use the noun form 'obscurity' after the preposition 'into'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If we don't document these historical accounts, they will eventually ___.

  💡 To slowly become entirely forgotten by the public.

  Show answer

  fade into complete obscurity

• The singer refused to let her legacy ___ after her retirement.

  💡 To gradually lose all recognition and fame.

  Show answer

  fade into complete obscurity