# invisible

/ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnvˈɪzəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/invisible
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. cannot be seen

adjective · CEFR B2

impossible to see with your eyes.

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

- Oxygen is an invisible gas that we all need to breathe.
- The bacteria were invisible to the naked eye, requiring a high-powered microscope for any meaningful observation.

### 2. ignored by society

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- Many homeless people feel invisible when they walk through the city.
- The report highlights the plight of invisible workers in the gig economy who lack basic legal protections and social recognition.

### 3. hidden online status

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- I stayed invisible on the chat app so I could finish my work without being interrupted.
- By setting her status to invisible, she was able to monitor the group discussion without being prompted to participate.

## Examples

- The gas is invisible and has no smell.
- Many people feel invisible in large cities where no one stops to say hello or acknowledge their presence.
- The artist used a special type of ink that remains invisible until the paper is heated, revealing a secret message hidden within the landscape drawing.

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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.