ENGLISH
REFERENCE

invisible

adj.
US //ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəɫ// UK //ɪnvˈɪzəbəl// in·vis·i·ble
  1. 1 cannot be seen (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    impossible to see with your eyes.

    incapable of being perceived by sight; not visible to the eye.

    Example

    Oxygen is an invisible gas that we all need to breathe.

    Example

    The bacteria were invisible to the naked eye, requiring a high-powered microscope for any meaningful observation.

  2. 2 ignored by society (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Psychology

    used to describe people or problems that are ignored or not noticed by society.

    metaphorically applied to individuals or social issues that are systematically ignored or marginalised by the dominant culture.

    Example

    Many homeless people feel invisible when they walk through the city.

    Example

    The report highlights the plight of invisible workers in the gig economy who lack basic legal protections and social recognition.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 hidden online status (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    appearing to be offline on a chat app or website even though you are actually using it.

    pertaining to a user status in instant messaging or social media that conceals the user's active presence from others.

    Example

    I stayed invisible on the chat app so I could finish my work without being interrupted.

    Example

    By setting her status to invisible, she was able to monitor the group discussion without being prompted to participate.

Origin

From Middle English invisible, from Old French invisible, from Late Latin invīsibilis. Displaced native Old English unġesewenlīċ. Morphologically in- + visible.

© 2026 English Reference