unobtrusive

USAGE SUMMARY

'unobtrusive' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used to describe something or someone that is not noticeable or intrusive. It can also mean discreet or inconspicuous. Example: The unobtrusive music in the background created a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant. In this sentence, 'unobtrusive' is used to describe the music as not being loud or distracting, but rather creating a subtle and pleasant ambiance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cauchetier had to be unobtrusive because even the boldest screen actor could turn self-conscious at the sight of a stills camera.

The Guardian - Arts

"The people on the street were overwhelmingly white Australians but there were Aborigines about too – not great numbers of them, but always there, on the edge of frame, unobtrusive, nearly always silent, peripheral.

The Guardian

"It is undeniably tender, an important and touching subject and work of great, unobtrusive skill.

The Guardian

Liz Garbus, the Bobby Fischer Against the World documentarian whose style can politely be called unobtrusive, hit the motherlode with Nina Simone".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She wanted to be unobtrusive, even invisible: unseen, all the better to see.

The Guardian - Arts

If Root's was a generally unobtrusive but effective innings, with only seven boundaries, Buttler is a more volatile batsmen, capable, England already know, of some extraordinary versatility and invention at times.

The Guardian - Sport

This exhibition of vintage prints, organized by Jack Macrae and Kristoffer Haynes, includes some lush, accomplished and wonderfully unobtrusive images of nesting birds and unruly thickets of foliage.

The New York Times - Arts

Second, Eric Schmidt, whom they hired as chief executive in 2001, figured out how to "monetise" Google's popularity by selling small and unobtrusive advertisements on related topics, so-called "sponsored links", alongside the search results.In search, Google is now vulnerable because the barriers to entry to its market are low.

The Economist

In one case study by Ms Madrian and Dennis Shea, changing the default rule in this way raised the enrolment rate from 49% to 86%.This measure exemplifies the soft paternalists' approach: the error it addresses is glaring, the remedy unobtrusive.

The Economist

But far from hogging the limelight, the discreet camera man will be standing to one side, his presence so light and unobtrusive as to render him almost invisible, just as he has always liked it.The first celebration will be the opening of "De qui s'agit-il?", a retrospective of Mr Cartier-Bresson's output that includes 350-odd works, plus writings, books and films.

The Economist

For users, the appeal of texting is that it is a simple, quick and unobtrusive way to send someone a message, usually for less than the cost of a voice call.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing designs or technologies, use "unobtrusive" to highlight user-friendliness and minimal disruption to the user experience.

Common error

Don't equate something being "unobtrusive" with it being unimportant. An "unobtrusive" element can still be highly functional and essential, even if it doesn't draw attention to itself.

Linguistic Context

The word "unobtrusive" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is not noticeable or attention-grabbing. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "unobtrusive advertisements" or "unobtrusive camera work."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unobtrusive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective that describes something subtle and not easily noticed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media, but also in encyclopedias, denoting discretion and seamless integration. When aiming for subtlety and seamless integration, consider alternatives like "inconspicuous" or "subtle". A best practice is to use "unobtrusive" to highlight user-friendliness in designs, while avoiding confusion with "unimportant". In essence, "unobtrusive" is a valuable word for conveying a sense of subtlety and seamlessness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconspicuous

Focuses on the lack of visibility or noticeability.

subtle

Emphasizes a delicate or understated quality.

low-key

Highlights a relaxed and understated manner.

discreet

Implies carefulness and avoidance of attracting attention.

unnoticeable

Directly states that something is not easily noticed.

understated

Focuses on a restrained and subtle presentation.

muted

Suggests a softened or subdued quality.

modest

Highlights simplicity and lack of pretension.

reserved

Implies a restrained or subdued demeanor.

background

Indicates something that blends into the background and doesn't stand out.

FAQs

How can I use "unobtrusive" in a sentence?

You can use "unobtrusive" to describe something that is not easily noticed or doesn't attract attention, such as "The security cameras were designed to be "inconspicuous" and blend into the environment".

What is a good substitute for the word "unobtrusive"?

Alternatives to "unobtrusive" include "subtle", "discreet", and "inconspicuous", which all suggest a lack of obtrusiveness or attention-grabbing qualities.

What does it mean for something to be "unobtrusive"?

When something is described as "unobtrusive", it means it is not noticeable or doesn't interfere with its surroundings or the user's experience. It's designed to be seamlessly integrated without being disruptive.

Is "unobtrusive" a positive or negative attribute?

Generally, "unobtrusive" is a positive attribute, especially when describing technology, design, or services that aim to enhance user experience without being intrusive or disruptive. Its value depends on the context.