inconspicuous

adjective

in·​con·​spic·​u·​ous ˌin-kən-ˈspi-kyə-wəs 

-kyü-əs

: not readily noticeable

an inconspicuous brick building

inconspicuously adverb

inconspicuousness noun

Synonyms of inconspicuous

• discreet
• invisible
• unnoticed

Examples of inconspicuous in a Sentence

She tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible so that no one would see her there.

left an inconspicuous scratch on the wall

Recent Examples on the Web

Just make sure to test the shaving cream on a small, inconspicuous area of the material before applying in larger or more prominent areas. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

Better to stay clean and inconspicuous, like hotel artwork, which was fine for a preacher’s son. —Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Holevich recommends spot testing this method on an inconspicuous part before going all-out on cleaning. —Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 8 Apr. 2026

Using a clean microfiber cloth, apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin inconspicuus, from in- + conspicuus conspicuous

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inconspicuous

adjective

in·​con·​spic·​u·​ous ˌin-kən-ˈspik-yə-wəs 

: not easily seen or noticed

inconspicuously adverb

inconspicuousness noun