inconspicuous

adjective

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

-kyü-əs

: not readily noticeable

inconspicuously adverb

inconspicuousness noun

Synonyms

• discreet
• invisible
• unnoticeable
• unobtrusive

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

Some people stash it in inconspicuous places around the house, a habit that experts say can lead to trouble down the line. —Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025

The cable management was clean, bundled and routed to be as inconspicuous as possible. —Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Hidden among dense mangroves on the island’s southern coast, known widely as Aruba’s safest and most peaceful area, Aruba Ocean Villas is so inconspicuous that even native Arubans jokingly debate its existence. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Always test on an inconspicuous area first to be sure. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025

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