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

Safety measures should be unobtrusive, effective and respectful. — Joe Fleckenstein, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026

While there is an on-site restaurant, bar, meeting house, freshwater pool, and gift shop, the grounds themselves are rustic, palm tree-lined, and a refuge for thousands of adorable, unobtrusive hermit crabs. — Joey Skladany, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Jase awarded them with a perfect 5-star rating, which was mostly thanks to their excellent stabilization, their unobtrusive controls and incredibly small form factor. — Paul Brett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 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