IPA: /kəˈvɜːrt.nəs/
KK: /ˈkɒvərtnəs/
The quality of being secret or hidden, often used to describe actions or behaviors that are not openly acknowledged.
The spy operated with great covertness to avoid detection.
Covertness → It is formed from "covert" (from Old French *covert*, meaning hidden or concealed) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "covertness" refers to the state of being hidden or concealed.
Think of 'covert' meaning hidden, and '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'covertness' is the quality of being hidden.