unobtrusive

adjective

un·​ob·​tru·​sive ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce unobtrusive (audio)
-ziv
: not obtrusive : not blatant, arresting, or aggressive : inconspicuous
unobtrusively adverb
unobtrusiveness noun

Example Sentences

the notice that an 18% tip would be automatically added was so unobtrusive we almost didn't see it at the bottom of the menu
Recent Examples on the Web The outcome: an unobtrusive, crazy-breathable sports bra that’s still supportive. Ariella Gintzler, Outside Online, 27 May 2022 The entrance is inviting but unobtrusive. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 5 Feb. 2022 For such devices to become ubiquitous, their physical and computational aspects must be intuitive and unobtrusive. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Feb. 2021 Bassist Garry Tallent, in his banker’s attire and shades, is the unobtrusive anchor of every song that flies off the stage. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2023 Adjustable lighting keeps the controls unobtrusive at night. Lynn Redmile, Good Housekeeping, 27 Mar. 2023 Indeed, in the living room, the team left the almost imperceptible cove moldings and launched a search for unobtrusive doorknobs. Julia Reed, ELLE Decor, 21 Mar. 2023 On the plus side, these unobtrusive cylinders each have three Gigabit Ethernet ports, one of which can be used as a wired backhaul if your home is wired for Ethernet. PREMIUM GAMING Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 looks the part of a gaming router. Joseph Moran, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2023 Under the unobtrusive yet nurturing direction of Chay Yew, Wong is unleashed in all her vibrant, wacky, lovably chaotic immediacy. Charles Mcnultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unobtrusive was in 1743

Dictionary Entries Near unobtrusive

Cite this Entry

“Unobtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unobtrusive. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

unobtrusive

adjective
un·​ob·​tru·​sive ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce unobtrusive (audio)
-ziv
: not obtrusive or bold : inconspicuous
unobtrusively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unobtrusive

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