# innocuous

/ˌɪˈnɑkjuəs/ (US) · /ɪnnˈɒkjuːəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/innocuous
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

not harmful or offensive. You use this to describe something that seems safe or unimportant, even if it might look suspicious at first.

For teachers: not harmful or offensive in effect or intent. Often describes remarks, substances, or organisms that appear threatening but are actually benign.

## Examples

- The spider looked scary, but it was actually innocuous.
- What began as an innocuous comment about the weather quickly turned into a heated political debate.
- Although the virus appeared innocuous in early laboratory trials, researchers remained cautious about its potential to mutate once introduced to a wider population.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'appear'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.