Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Darkness \Dark"ness\, n.
   1. The absence of light; blackness; obscurity; gloom.

            And darkness was upon the face of the deep. --Gen.
                                                  i. 2.

   2. A state of privacy; secrecy.

            What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light.
                                                  --Matt. x. 27.

   3. A state of ignorance or error, especially on moral or
      religious subjects; hence, wickedness; impurity.

            Men loved darkness rather than light, because their
            deeds were evil.                      --John. iii.
                                                  19.

            Pursue these sons of darkness: drive them out From
            all heaven's bounds.                  --Milton.

   4. Want of clearness or perspicuity; obscurity; as, the
      darkness of a subject, or of a discussion.

   5. A state of distress or trouble.

            A day of clouds and of thick darkness. --Joel. ii.
                                                  2.

Source : WordNet®

darkness
     n 1: absence of light or illumination [syn: {dark}] [ant: {light}]
     2: an unilluminated area; "he moved off into the darkness"
        [syn: {dark}, {shadow}]
     3: absence of moral or spiritual values; "the powers of
        darkness" [syn: {iniquity}, {wickedness}, {dark}]
     4: an unenlightened state; "he was in the dark concerning their
        intentions"; "his lectures dispelled the darkness" [syn: {dark}]
     5: having a dark or somber color [ant: {lightness}]
     6: a swarthy complexion [syn: {duskiness}, {swarthiness}]