unobtrusive

adjective

un·​ob·​tru·​sive ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv 

-ziv

: not obtrusive : not blatant, arresting, or aggressive : inconspicuous

unobtrusive advertising

unobtrusively adverb

unobtrusiveness noun

Synonyms of unobtrusive

• discreet
• invisible
• unnoticed

Examples of unobtrusive in a Sentence

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 value of Messi’s unobtrusive search-lighting of the field is hard to overstate. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026

Their unobtrusive placement complements their immersive musicality, hitherto only possible outdoors with high-end earphones or headphones connected to sophisticated digital acoustic conversion equipment costing a bundle. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Blume’s unobtrusive handiwork lifts Show Me the Body out of the shadows without sun-bleaching their craggy exterior. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026

Otherwise, the Fitbit Air is the better value for most people interested in a screenless, unobtrusive health-tracking experience. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unobtrusive

• inconclusive
• nonexclusive
• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive

Kids Definition

unobtrusive

adjective

un·​ob·​tru·​sive ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv 

-ziv

: not obtrusive or bold : inconspicuous

unobtrusively adverb