inconspicuous

adjective

in·​con·​spic·​u·​ous ˌin-kən-ˈspi-kyə-wəs How to pronounce inconspicuous (audio)
-kyü-əs
: not readily noticeable
inconspicuously adverb
inconspicuousness noun

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 The goal was to make a famously bold timepiece thin enough to slip under the cuff of a dress shirt — an inconspicuous symbol of luxury in keeping with the times. New York Times, 17 Oct. 2023 Since the end of World War II, Austria has sought to distance the inconspicuous building, where Hitler was born in 1889, from his legacy. Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2023 Locate a carpet scrap or an inconspicuous spot on the floor, such as the carpet inside a closet. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2023 Meanwhile, Wright offers a performance of eloquent physicality — Mo obviously learned long ago when to keep her head down and remain inconspicuous, and when to back up her nervy talk with decisive action — and poignant longing. Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 June 2023 Trains also are more inconspicuous for travel than planes — which can be monitored using flight tracking data and radar technology. Leo Sands, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023 In the inconspicuous storefront with a faded sign along an industrial stretch of Herricks Road in Mineola, Long Island, across from a truck repair shop, the smell of shellac and the clatter of tools emanate from rear work rooms. Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2023 The Bellagio’s new cocktail club – an intimate, inconspicuous venue just off the Las Vegas resort’s casino floor – is set to open Monday. Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2023 Opt for inconspicuous options that do not draw unwanted scrutiny from fellow passengers or airport staff. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inconspicuous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin inconspicuus, from in- + conspicuus conspicuous

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconspicuous was circa 1828

Dictionary Entries Near inconspicuous

Cite this Entry

“Inconspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconspicuous. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

inconspicuous

adjective
in·​con·​spic·​u·​ous ˌin-kən-ˈspik-yə-wəs How to pronounce inconspicuous (audio)
: not easily seen or noticed
inconspicuously adverb
inconspicuousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inconspicuous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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