Word
inconspicuous
Phoneticsin·con·spic·u·ous
US/ˌɪŋˈkɑnspɪkwəs/
UK/ɪnkənspˈɪkjuːəs/
Definition
adj. not easy to see or notice. You use this to describe something that blends in with its surroundings or is very quiet.
adj. not easily seen or noticed; lacking in prominence or visibility. Often used to describe objects that are designed to be hidden or features that are subtle.
Examples
“The small bird has inconspicuous brown feathers.”
“The security cameras are placed in inconspicuous locations so that they do not distract the customers.”
“While the building's exterior is modest and inconspicuous, its interior reveals a sophisticated architectural design that challenges the initial perception of its scale.”
Examples
simple
“The small bird has inconspicuous brown feathers.”
contextual
“The security cameras are placed in inconspicuous locations so that they do not distract the customers.”
complex
“While the building's exterior is modest and inconspicuous, its interior reveals a sophisticated architectural design that challenges the initial perception of its scale.”
Real-World Examples
“The Spotters tended to be inconspicuous and would sit at the table, playing the minimum bet while counting the shoe.” “I’m told that the pub where we have met, in the leafiest part of leafy south-west London, is usually a safe bet for an inconspicuous table.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Late Latin incōnspicuus. Equivalent to in- + conspicuous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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