nontransparent

Nontransparent is an adjective used to describe materials, surfaces, or processes that do not permit light to pass through clearly. In optics and materials science, the term is typically synonymous with opaque; however, some nontransparent materials may reflect or scatter light rather than transmit it, so that a clear image cannot be seen through them. By comparison, transparent objects transmit light with little distortion, while translucent materials allow some light to pass and may blur images.

Beyond its physical meaning, nontransparent is widely used metaphorically to describe processes, organizations, or policies that lack openness or clarity. Nontransparent governance or business practices may involve undisclosed information, hidden ownership, unspecified criteria for decisions, or opaque reporting. Such opacity can hinder accountability, scrutiny, and trust, prompting calls for greater transparency in management, finance, and public institutions.

In technology and data contexts, nontransparency often refers to systems or models whose workings are difficult to understand or audit. Nontransparent algorithms can impede explainability and fairness, leading to debates about algorithmic accountability, ethics, and governance. Efforts to reduce nontransparency include improving disclosure, documentation, and interpretable design, as well as standards for reporting sources, methods, and decision criteria.

See also: opacity, transparency, translucent, opaque, explainable AI.