not conspicuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not conspicuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not easily seen or noticed, often in contexts related to visibility or attention. Example: "The design of the new building is intentionally understated, making it not conspicuous in the surrounding landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Not conspicuous?

The New York Times

Crime in Bashkortostan is not conspicuous.

The Economist

A differentiating factor of intelligence is not conspicuous.

The New Yorker

"As long as I was not conspicuous, I had a choice," Perelman explained.

The New Yorker

Drama was not conspicuous, except for the plays of Heiberg and Nordahl Grieg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

American corporate customers of Indian software companies were not conspicuous at this year's annual meeting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Strict zoning laws, including a height limit of 39 feet, make sure that the building isn't conspicuous.

Forbes

If this isn't conspicuous consumption, I don't know what is.

Vice

The next thing I knew, the ten of us were being bundled into a white Toyota Innova with "TOURIST" printed on the side – like we weren't conspicuous enough already – and driven off to god knows where.

Vice

If cokeheads, with their noses like the Sphinx and their eyes like marbles on a tube train, weren't conspicuous enough already, the media in America have spent most of the day making paranoid people more easy to identify.

Vice

Make sure the hiding place isn't conspicuous or obvious to a parent who may go snooping.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for subtlety in writing, use "not conspicuous" to indicate that something doesn't immediately draw attention, allowing the audience to discover it naturally.

Common error

While "not conspicuous" is suitable for various contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not conspicuous" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates a quality of lacking prominence or drawing attention, as confirmed by Ludwig. Examples show it describing physical objects, behaviors, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not conspicuous" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that doesn't easily attract attention or stand out. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia entries. Its meaning overlaps with alternatives like "inconspicuous" and "unobtrusive", but each carries a slightly different nuance. When writing, use "not conspicuous" to imply a deliberate or inherent quality of avoiding attention, but be mindful of its suitability for highly formal contexts. While effective, consider more precise alternatives for academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconspicuous

A direct synonym, indicating a deliberate or inherent quality of avoiding attention.

unnoticeable

Focuses on the lack of being noticed, emphasizing a passive quality of blending in.

not obvious

Focuses on the lack of immediate or easy perception, emphasizing the need for closer inspection.

unobtrusive

Highlights the lack of intrusion or interference, suggesting a gentle presence.

low-profile

Indicates a deliberate effort to remain out of the spotlight, often in a social or political context.

subtle

Emphasizes a delicate or understated quality, implying a refined lack of obviousness.

understated

Highlights a deliberate lack of emphasis or ornamentation, suggesting a refined simplicity.

muted

Suggests a softened or dampened quality, reducing visual or auditory prominence.

obscure

Implies a lack of clarity or definition, making something difficult to perceive.

veiled

Suggests being covered or concealed, either literally or figuratively, reducing visibility.

FAQs

How can I use "not conspicuous" in a sentence?

Use "not conspicuous" to describe something that doesn't immediately attract attention. For example: "The error in the code was "not conspicuous" at first glance".

What's a simple alternative to "not conspicuous"?

A simpler alternative is "not obvious". Both phrases mean that something isn't easily noticed.

Is it better to say "inconspicuous" or "not conspicuous"?

Both "inconspicuous" and "not conspicuous" are correct. "Inconspicuous" is a single word, while "not conspicuous" is a phrase. The choice depends on your preferred writing style.

What is the difference between "not noticeable" and "not conspicuous"?

"Not noticeable" generally means something is simply hard to see or detect. "Not conspicuous" implies that something doesn't stand out or draw attention, even if it's technically visible. You can use "not noticeable" when the reason it is not conspicuous is because it's simply difficult to see.