Word
intrusive
Phoneticsin·tru·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɹusɪv/
UK/ɪntɹˈuːsɪv/
Definition
adj. affecting your private life or personal space in a way that feels annoying or unwanted. You use this to describe things that push in where they do not belong.
adj. causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited. Often describes behavior, questions, or technology that violates personal boundaries.
Examples
“The loud music from the street was very intrusive.”
“Many users find targeted advertisements to be intrusive when they appear immediately after a private conversation.”
“The journalist was criticized for asking intrusive questions about the family's private grief during the live broadcast.”
Examples
simple
“The loud music from the street was very intrusive.”
contextual
“Many users find targeted advertisements to be intrusive when they appear immediately after a private conversation.”
complex
“The journalist was criticized for asking intrusive questions about the family's private grief during the live broadcast.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'feel', 'seem', or 'become'. When used in linguistics or geology, it describes elements that are forced into an existing structure.
Real-World Examples
“Those traumatic memories remain vivid, and some first responders continue to experience anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems and difficulty controlling their emotions.” “For visitors, it is not uncommon to pass through metal detectors, submit to intrusive physical searches, follow strict dress codes and wait for hours within facilities.” Etymology
Back-formation from intrusion, + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/intrusive