intrusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intrusive' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning to be overly present or to interfere in an unwelcome or inappropriate way. Example Sentence: The intrusive co-worker was the topic of conversation at the office for weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hacking is one of the most intrusive surveillance capabilities available to any intelligence agency, and its use and safeguards surrounding it should be the subject of proper debate.

The Guardian

The MPs and peers suggested that the new legislation should list every intrusive capability available to the security services and specify their purpose, authorisation procedure and what safeguards and oversight procedures exist for their use.

The Guardian

In theory, it is possible that gentle nudges will turn into intrusive diktats and the nanny state will drain individual responsibility.

The New York Times

Even during the tense climax, he keeps things light, combining smiley walkout with stinging kicker: "It's getting a little Diane Sawyer in here," referencing the famously intrusive interviewer.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't like certain sorts of intrusive reporter and nasty columnist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their recommendation that this new legal framework must be based on an explicit avowal of intrusive surveillance capabilities and spell out authorisation procedures, privacy constraints, transparence requirements, targeting criteria and the rest is also significant.

The Guardian

The ISC says it agrees and recommends that the new surveillance law should list each intrusive capability available to MI5, MI6 and GCHQ and the human rights obligations that constrain their use.

The Guardian

At HangarBicocca, Double Bind has been recreated without having to disguise intrusive elements of the building's architecture or signage, or find ways of getting around tedious health and safety regulations.

The Guardian - Arts

The menace had been all German, the South Americans' anxiety prompting a huddle just inside the mouth of the tunnel as they sought urgency with the intrusive television cameras shoved away by Martín Demichelis.

The Guardian - Sport

Nor is it that objects of perception are intrusive in an electric way as they are under mescalin or lysergic acid… It is that the perceiving turns inward, the eyelids droop, the blood is aware of itself".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even federal powers that nobody disputes can be used to pass silly or intrusive policies; and even if one passes, it is not necessarily unconstitutional.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "intrusive" with specific examples to illustrate the extent and nature of the intrusion, making your argument more compelling.

Common error

Avoid using "intrusive" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or technical term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "invasive", "disruptive", or "obtrusive" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The word "intrusive" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that interferes in an unwelcome or inappropriate way. Ludwig examples show its application in diverse contexts like surveillance, policies, and personal interactions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "intrusive" is a versatile term used to describe something unwelcome or interfering. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to express disapproval, as seen in the Ludwig examples. While synonyms like "invasive" or "obtrusive" exist, "intrusive" offers a nuanced way to convey disruption or violation of privacy. When using "intrusive", specify the nature of the intrusion to enhance your writing. Avoid overuse in formal contexts where more technical terms may be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invasive

Implies crossing boundaries or entering where not welcome, often with a sense of violation.

obtrusive

Suggests being noticeable or prominent in an unwelcome way, drawing unwanted attention.

meddlesome

Implies interfering in other people's affairs without being asked or needed.

nosy

Suggests being excessively curious about other people's affairs.

interfering

Indicates hindering or obstructing someone's activities or plans.

unwelcome

Directly expresses that something is not wanted or appreciated.

impertinent

Suggests being rude or disrespectful through inappropriate behavior.

pushy

Implies being excessively assertive or forceful in getting one's way.

presumptuous

Indicates behaving with an unwarranted assumption of privilege or entitlement.

officious

Suggests being excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice.

FAQs

How can I use "intrusive" in a sentence?

You can use "intrusive" to describe something that interferes or is unwelcome. For example, "The new security measures were considered too "intrusive"." or "The reporter's questions felt very "intrusive"".

What are some synonyms for "intrusive"?

Synonyms for "intrusive" include "invasive", "obtrusive", "meddlesome", and "interfering". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "intrusive"?

It is appropriate to use "intrusive" when describing something that inappropriately interferes or disrupts. This could apply to policies, behaviors, or even physical objects that feel unwelcome or disruptive.

What's the difference between "intrusive" and "invasive"?

"Intrusive" generally refers to something that interferes or is unwelcome, while "invasive" often suggests a more aggressive or violating entry. For example, you might describe a policy as "intrusive", but a surgical procedure might be called "invasive".