obtrusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "obtrusive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is overly noticeable or too noticeable. For example: "The loud music was so obtrusive that it distracted everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's keeled over again," the queen once noted at a stifling-hot palace reception, spotting her then prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, pale and slumped in a chair.On several occasions she has been urged to retreat behind more obtrusive layers of security.

The Economist

Usually nothing effective was done at the time, but those reports left a rich resource for the historian".Gulag" is lucid and well-researched, and its moral message is clear without being obtrusive.

The Economist

In much the same way that eBay found success from the networking effects of matching lots of buyers and sellers of used goods, poker sites were able to match players wanting a game at any time of the day or night.Fish in the bathtubThe big online sites used obtrusive marketing to push playing online, while taking a cut of the pot.

The Economist

Such knowledge means EEG headsets can be made with just a few sensors for a particular application, making them smaller and less obtrusive, says Dr Contreras-Vidal.At the CeBIT trade fair in Hanover earlier this month, participants wearing EEG caps played pinball using mind control.

The Economist

Laid on the ground, that many panels would fill an area of about 150 square miles.In this section Europhile and proud A la cartel The last walkout Blue steel Missing a beat From a spark to a flame The kindest cut ReprintsFields full of solar panels are less obtrusive than hillside turbines, and simpler to install.

The Economist

The Chinese have complained to Pakistan a close ally that it is not doing enough about extremist groups in its tribal areas, where China says Uighur terrorists plot mischief in Xinjiang.In Kashgar, however, security this month does not seem too obtrusive.

The Economist

No wonder big Chinese firms with government ties have been looking for more oblique and less obtrusive ways to expand abroad.

The Economist

This design, combined with flexible, thin-film batteries, could lead to a flat device that is far less obtrusive than a lumpy generator.Cardiologists and engineers are, in short, coming up with all kinds of new ideas to improve the performance of cardiac devices and make them smaller and safer.

The Economist

Since the position of the driver is fixed, cars can be fitted with sensing equipment that would be obtrusive in other contexts.

The Economist

The film was criticised for its dramatic re-enactment sequences and score, with some calling it too obtrusive, but a year after its release Adams's conviction was overturned.While these stories may seem extraordinary, wrongful convictions are common.

The Economist

Handhelds are less obtrusive (salespeople, he says, hate having to boot up laptops in front of customers), and "you look like you're on top of things".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for subtlety, avoid elements that are "obtrusive". Consider softer alternatives or less direct approaches to achieve the desired effect without being overly noticeable or intrusive.

Common error

While "obtrusive" is widely understood, its slightly negative connotation can be jarring in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "prominent" or "noticeable" when describing something without intending criticism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obtrusive" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is easily noticeable or sticks out in a displeasing way. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtrusive" functions as an adjective used to describe something that is noticeably intrusive or prominent, often in a negative or unwelcome way. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, careful consideration should be given to its slightly negative connotation, particularly in formal settings. When aiming for subtlety, it's best to avoid elements that are "obtrusive", opting for less direct and softer alternatives. The top authoritative sources for this word include The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Economist, indicating its prevalence in high-quality journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrusive

This alternative emphasizes the act of interfering or disrupting, similar to "obtrusive" but with a stronger sense of violation.

noticeable

This term focuses on being easily seen or detected, a key aspect of "obtrusive", though less negative in connotation.

prominent

Highlights the quality of standing out, sharing the visibility aspect of "obtrusive" but without inherent negativity.

conspicuous

Indicates something that is very easy to notice, often due to being different or unusual, akin to "obtrusive" in its visibility.

imposing

Suggests a strong presence that can be overwhelming, sharing the sense of being hard to ignore with "obtrusive".

flagrant

Emphasizes the blatant and obvious nature of something, often in a negative way, similar to the displeasing aspect of "obtrusive".

jarring

Focuses on the disruptive and unsettling quality of something that stands out, echoing the negative impact of "obtrusive".

unwelcome

This phrase shifts the focus to the reception of something, implying it's noticeable and unwanted, similar to a negative perception of "obtrusive".

undesirable

Indicates that something is not wanted or liked because it is too noticeable or problematic, mirroring the negative aspect of "obtrusive".

unsubtle

Highlights a lack of refinement or delicacy, implying a quality of being too obvious and therefore potentially "obtrusive".

FAQs

How can I use "obtrusive" in a sentence?

You can use "obtrusive" to describe something that is noticeably intrusive or prominent in an unwelcome way. For example, "The security measures were less "obtrusive" than expected".

What words can I use instead of "obtrusive"?

Alternatives to "obtrusive" include "intrusive", "noticeable", or "prominent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "obtrusive" or "unobtrusive"?

"Obtrusive" means noticeable or prominent in an unwelcome way, while "unobtrusive" means not conspicuous or attracting attention. They are antonyms.

What is the difference between "obtrusive" and "intrusive"?

While both words describe something that is noticeable, "intrusive" emphasizes the act of interfering or disrupting, whereas "obtrusive" focuses more on being prominent or noticeable in an unwelcome or annoying way.