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 do your research or test in a small, inconspicuous corner before starting. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026

But No Kings has been inconspicuous since October. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026

Testing a small spot in an inconspicuous spot will give you an idea of what to expect if applied all over. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

Acetone is effective, but Verzini stresses that it should always be tested in an inconspicuous area first before applying it to the nail polish. —Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 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