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

There are no insecticides that will control the larva of this inconspicuous grayish-brown moth. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

Szabo, an otherwise inconspicuous former bureaucrat, helped to unite two distinct networks with overlapping ambitions. — Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026

Always test any whitening product in an inconspicuous area first and avoid prolonged contact with the surface. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Not all will react the same depending on durability, so proceed with caution and —as always—spot test in an inconspicuous area first. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 5 June 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