unobtrusively

USAGE SUMMARY

"unobtrusively" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something done without drawing attention, such as an action that is quiet and understated. For example, you can use it in a sentence like this: "The security guard walked unobtrusively around the room, keeping watch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Cauchetier began taking set photographs in the late 1950s, the job was to stand unobtrusively next to the cameraman, take a quick snap at the end of a scene and make yourself scarce.

The Guardian - Arts

The fact that government's workings could easily and unobtrusively be changed was accounted a virtue: Britain escaped the ancestor worship that fixed canons like America's imposed.

The Economist

What is so unusual about "Tenchu", compared with most games, is that players actually lose points for over-the-top violence; the highest rating is awarded for completing a mission as discreetly and unobtrusively as possible.Another example is "Thief: The Dark Project", a PC game set in a medieval city in which the central character is a cat-burglar called Garrett.

The Economist

This is mainly because China and India, with their 2.5 billion people, are growing fast and narrowing the gap with rich countries.Fading trumpets of warEconomic growth improves lives unobtrusively.

The Economist

But the consensus among Japanese is that visions of a future in which immigrant workers live harmoniously and unobtrusively in Japan are pure fancy.

The Economist

An ad had greatest impact when it was placed unobtrusively at the end of a particularly absorbing article; it had the worst effect when interrupting an interesting article-even if readers were considering buying the product.

The Economist

English-speaking police will mingle with crowds of fans and try to pick off troublemakers unobtrusively rather than forming a line for the mob to charge at.Police and academics on both sides of the crowd-control debate reckon that the championship will pass off smoothly or at least, that it will witness no more violence than the average English town on the average Saturday night.

The Economist

The change has been silent because its beneficiaries have gone about transforming countries unobtrusively while enjoying the fruits of success.

The Economist

But the past is never far away: the faces in museums repeated in the streets.Details illuminate Mr Rodenbeck's cleverly written story: facts are slipped in unobtrusively.

The Economist

New Jersey's taxes are among the highest in the nation, yet its fiscal position is the most precarious of any state, according to the Citizens Budget Commissionn of New York, which recently ranked all 50 by the affordability of their long-term obligations (their debt plus unfunded pension liabilities).Enter Chris Christie, the new Republican governor, as quietly and unobtrusively as a SWAT team.

The Economist

Household items attached to the internet will act like servants in "Downton Abbey"—unobtrusively turning the thermostat up or down or politely suggesting that it is time to call the plumber.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions that should not draw attention, use "unobtrusively" to convey a sense of subtlety and discretion.

Common error

Avoid using "unobtrusively" when describing actions that are meant to be bold or attention-grabbing. The term implies a desire to remain unnoticed, which is contradictory to actions designed to be prominent.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unobtrusively" modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to indicate that an action is performed in a way that does not attract attention or cause disruption. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, showcasing how it adds nuance to descriptions of behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

31%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unobtrusively" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed subtly and without drawing attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and provides numerous examples demonstrating its frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and various other contexts. When using "unobtrusively", ensure the context aligns with the intention of avoiding notice, and consider alternatives like "inconspicuously" or "discreetly" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconspicuously

Focuses on avoiding notice or being easily seen.

without attracting attention

Directly states the goal of avoiding notice.

discreetly

Emphasizes maintaining privacy or avoiding causing embarrassment.

subtly

Highlights delicacy and indirectness in action.

quietly

Stresses the lack of noise or commotion.

in a low-key manner

Indicates a relaxed and understated approach.

unassumingly

Indicates a lack of pretension or arrogance.

circumspectly

Implies caution and awareness of potential consequences.

gingerly

Suggests carefulness and a reluctance to cause disturbance.

imperceptibly

Conveys that something is nearly impossible to detect.

FAQs

How can I use "unobtrusively" in a sentence?

"Unobtrusively" is an adverb that describes doing something without attracting attention. For example, "The waiter moved "unobtrusively" around the tables, refilling drinks".

What are some alternatives to "unobtrusively"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "inconspicuously", "discreetly", or "subtly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "unobtrusively" to describe a loud action?

No, "unobtrusively" implies a lack of noticeable behavior. Describing a loud action as being done "unobtrusively" would be contradictory.

What's the difference between "unobtrusively" and "secretly"?

"Unobtrusively" means doing something without attracting attention, while "secretly" implies concealing the action. Something done "unobtrusively" might still be visible, but it doesn't stand out, whereas something done secretly is hidden from view entirely.