conspicuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "conspicuous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that stands out easily in a certain environment. For example, "The bright red car was conspicuous among the other parked cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My own strong reaction to the novel stemmed from Austen's depiction of society, a world of conspicuous consumption (Sir Walter Elliot cannot stand the idea of retrenching when he mismanages his finances and prefers to leave his house rather than be seen with a footman or a picture less) and his arrogant, good-looking daughter Elizabeth can't be seen without all the props, either.

The Guardian - Books

In the five years since then, the W word has, it would be fair to say, been increasingly conspicuous by its absence from political rhetoric.

The Guardian

"Being a conspicuous presence at work not only means that the teachers you're responsible for know you're there to help, but students know that you're always around too.

The Guardian

To dodge the purge, many now avoid displays of conspicuous consumption, even if they got rich the legal way and even if to them golf is merely a means to network with the powerful.

The Guardian

Issues such as healthcare and the NHS, food banks, energy and the general cost of living were conspicuous by their absence.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet Harvey Weinstein was conspicuous by his absence; the ghost at the feast.

The Guardian - Film

The flower produces a nectar reward for insects when they land but has a belt-and-braces approach to competing for pollinators' attention, luring them with conspicuous false nectaries.

The Guardian

Let's say Guardians of the Galaxy, as they're the most conspicuous, and it's nice to give the nod to a blockbuster every now and again.

The Guardian - Film

In the most conspicuous case, in 1939 the three Baltic states asked to join the Soviet Union – which granted their wish.

The Guardian

The usual lopsided Bedford trucks, bullock carts, auto rickshaws, slaloming hatchbacks and scooter swarms that infest every highway I have ever travelled on in India were conspicuous by their absence.

The Guardian - Travel

With its 8ft wingspan and massive nests, it is conspicuous and, unlike the notoriously wary golden eagle, an inquisitive animal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conspicuous" when you want to emphasize that something is easily noticed, whether positively or negatively. Consider the surrounding words to make sure it fits the tone you intend.

Common error

While "conspicuous" is a useful adjective, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Instead, try to make sure you vary your word choice with synonyms like "noticeable", "prominent", or "evident" to add richness and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conspicuous" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is easily noticeable or attracting attention. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s used to highlight something that stands out in a certain environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "conspicuous" describes something easily noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It appears very common in news, business, and scientific contexts. When writing, it’s important to consider the subtle nuances of this term, as it can imply something that is attracting attention in a way that may or may not be desirable. To improve writing, replace it, at times, with "noticeable", "evident", or "obvious" to avoid repetitive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable

Similar in meaning but slightly less forceful, indicating something that can be easily observed.

evident

Implies a clear and obvious quality, often suggesting proof or strong indication.

obvious

Suggests something easily perceived or understood without needing explanation.

patent

Indicates something so obvious that it cannot be missed or ignored.

prominent

Emphasizes standing out due to importance or position, not just visibility.

remarkable

Highlights something worthy of attention because it is unusual or impressive.

striking

Implies a strong and immediate impact on the senses or mind.

blatant

Suggests something obvious and done without any attempt at concealment, often negatively.

flagrant

Similar to blatant, but often used for actions that violate standards or laws.

bold

Implies standing out in a confident and assertive manner.

FAQs

How can I use "conspicuous" in a sentence?

"Conspicuous" is used to describe something that is easily noticeable or attracting attention. For instance, "The error was conspicuous on the first page" or "He tried not to be conspicuous in the crowd".

What are some synonyms for "conspicuous"?

Alternatives to "conspicuous" include "noticeable", "evident", "obvious", "prominent", and "remarkable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "conspicuous" or "noticeable"?

Both "conspicuous" and "noticeable" indicate that something is easy to see or recognize, but "conspicuous" often implies that something attracts attention in a way that is striking or perhaps undesirable. "Noticeable" is a more neutral term.

What is the difference between "conspicuous" and "inconspicuous"?

"Conspicuous" means easily noticeable, while "inconspicuous" means not easily noticeable or attracting attention. They are antonyms.