Word
unobtrusive
Phoneticsun·ob·tru·sive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənəbˈtɹusɪv/
UK/ʌnɒbtɹˈuːsɪv/
Definition
adj. not drawing attention to yourself and staying quietly in the background. You use this for people or things that are polite, calm, and easy to ignore.
adj. Not attracting undue notice or attention; modest and inconspicuous in manner or presence. Often describes behaviour, design, or service that remains effective without imposing itself.
Examples
“She keeps her desk neat with unobtrusive storage boxes.”
“The waiter provides excellent but unobtrusive service, refilling water without interrupting the conversation.”
“The museum installed unobtrusive lighting that reveals the texture of each painting while leaving the gallery itself in soft shadow.”
Examples
simple
“She keeps her desk neat with unobtrusive storage boxes.”
contextual
“The waiter provides excellent but unobtrusive service, refilling water without interrupting the conversation.”
complex
“The museum installed unobtrusive lighting that reveals the texture of each painting while leaving the gallery itself in soft shadow.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unobtrusive” in context.
Verb
01. keep unobtrusive
“She tried to keep unobtrusive during the family argument.”
verb + adj
02. remain unobtrusive
“Good waiters know how to remain unobtrusive yet attentive.”
verb + adj
03. stay unobtrusive
“He stayed unobtrusive at the back of the meeting room.”
verb + adj
04. unobtrusive blends in
“The unobtrusive blends in easily and rarely draws attention.”
noun + verb + prep
Adjective
05. deliberately unobtrusive
“Her style is deliberately unobtrusive, favouring neutral colours and simple cuts.”
adv + adj
06. relatively unobtrusive
“The new phone mast is relatively unobtrusive behind the trees.”
adv + adj
07. remarkably unobtrusive
“The security cameras are remarkably unobtrusive and blend into the decor.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. unobtrusive design
“The hearing aid has a light, unobtrusive design.”
adj + noun
09. fade into unobtrusive background
“The music faded into an unobtrusive background hum.”
10. in a quietly unobtrusive manner
“Staff cleared the tables in a quietly unobtrusive manner.”
11. maintain an unobtrusive presence
“The counsellor maintained an unobtrusive presence during the discussion.”
12. prefer unobtrusive luxury to showiness
“Many wealthy clients prefer unobtrusive luxury to showiness.”
Real-World Examples
“This encapsulates the essence of Tawaraya: it feels as if you truly reside there, akin to living in a traditional Japanese home, with a staff dedicated to your needs while remaining largely unobtrusive.” Etymology
From un- (prefix meaning ‘not’) + obtrusive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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