# obnoxious

/ɑbˈnɑkʃəs/ (US) · /ɒbnˈɒkʃəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obnoxious
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. annoying or rude

adjective · CEFR B2

very unpleasant or rude, especially in a way that makes other people feel uncomfortable or angry.

For teachers: extremely offensive, objectionable, or brazenly rude. Often used to describe social behavior that is loud, arrogant, or inconsiderate.

- The man at the next table was being very obnoxious and shouting at the waiter.
- The guest's obnoxious behavior at the gala, including his loud interruptions and arrogant tone, eventually forced the host to ask him to leave.

### 2. vulnerable to harm

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

exposed to something bad or likely to be hurt by something.

For teachers: exposed or vulnerable to something, especially harm, injury, or unfavorable influence. This sense is restricted to historical or highly formal literary contexts.

- In the old story, the traveler was obnoxious to the dangers of the dark forest.
- The legal scholar argued that the new colony remained obnoxious to the laws of the mother country until a formal treaty was signed.

## Examples

- The obnoxious man shouted into his phone during the entire movie.
- The party was ruined by a few obnoxious guests who kept interrupting everyone and making rude jokes.
- While some found his public persona bold and refreshing, others dismissed it as merely obnoxious, citing his constant need to be the center of attention at any cost.

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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.