unobtrusive
un-uhb-TROO-siv
/ˌʌn.əbˈtruː.sɪv/
Not conspicuous or attracting attention; subtle, discreet, and blending into the background.
Applies to objects, service, design, or behaviors that perform their function seamlessly without disrupting.
The story behind the word. Latin 'trudere' means 'to thrust or push'. Combined with 'ob-' (against), 'obtrudere' meant thrusting something forward unwantedly. By placing 'un-' at the front, English created a word for anything or anyone that refuses to push into your space.
Word relationships
- discreet: Discreet emphasizes careful prudence and secrecy, while unobtrusive emphasizes non-disruptive, subtle presence.
- inconspicuous: Inconspicuous means hard to see, whereas unobtrusive means not imposing or drawing unwanted attention.
- obtrusive: Obtrusive means noticeably undesirable or thrusting oneself forward intrusively.
- conspicuous: Conspicuous means standing out so as to be clearly visible.
Commonly confused with
- unobstructive: 'Unobstructive' means not blocking physical passage; 'unobtrusive' means not attracting unwanted attention.
Word family
- unobtrusiveness (noun): The state or quality of being unobtrusive.
- unobtrusively (adverb): In an unobtrusive or discreet manner.
Collocations
- unobtrusive service
- unobtrusive design
- unobtrusive presence
- unobtrusive elegance
Example sentences
- "The service at the five-star hotel was flawless and unobtrusive, anticipating guests' needs quietly." Hospitality review
- "The security camera was so unobtrusive that visitors rarely noticed its presence high on the wooden beam." Technology design
Memory hook
UN-OBTRUSIVE = NOT INTRUDING on your space or sight. Blends in without pushing in.
When not to use
Do not use for something that is hidden due to illegal secrecy or deceit; use 'covert' instead.
Fun facts
- In modern web design, 'unobtrusive JavaScript' is a technical methodology that ensures websites function cleanly even if scripts fail to load!
Related words
Explore more words
intrusive, conspicuous, imperceptible, uninterrupted, oblivious, secluded
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