inconspicuous

[ in-kuhn-spik-yoo-uhs ]

adjective

1. not conspicuous, noticeable, or prominent.

   Synonyms: unostentatious, unnoticeable, unobtrusive

inconspicuous

/ ˌɪnkənˈspɪkjʊəs /

adjective

1. not easily noticed or seen; not prominent or striking

Derived Forms

• ˌinconˈspicuousness, noun
• ˌinconˈspicuously, adverb

Other Words From

• incon·spicu·ous·ly adverb
• incon·spicu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inconspicuous¹

From the Latin word inconspicuus, dating back to 1615–25. See in- ³, conspicuous

Example Sentences

So be sure to check the dimensions of a new vacuum to make sure that you can stash the cleaner somewhere inconspicuous and out of the way.

From Popular-Science

This vac also comes with a crevice tool that helps you refresh all the inconspicuous areas in your home, like under the couch or on top of the fridge, plus a brush for tough messes.

From Popular-Science

You want the outdoor door to be as inconspicuous as possible.

From Washington Post

If you’re looking for an inconspicuous, minimalistic design, the Charge 5 may not be the one for you.

From Popular-Science

The more inconspicuous the British made their presence, the more Iraqis grew justifiably paranoid about the true extent of their independence.

From Time

On Costa Rica Street, in Palermo Soho, there is an inconspicuous black gate.

From The Daily Beast

It looks inconspicuous enough on the outside with an ordinary gate and dun-colored walls, which blend with the surrounding houses.

From The Daily Beast

But Kate is nice and quiet and inconspicuous, whereas Chelsy is loud and brash and stands out.

From The Daily Beast

Use hardcover books—you can remove the dust jacket, giving it a nice inconspicuous look, not unlike a prayer book.

From The Daily Beast

The piece begins with a wooden barn door pierced with two inconspicuous peepholes.

From The Daily Beast

Taking the trouble to keep at a distance, to make himself inconspicuous, seemed almost wasted effort.

From Project Gutenberg

Her progress through the house was so inconspicuous and casual that no one noticed her especially.

From Project Gutenberg

Consumers stood gray and inconspicuous behind the two rows of uniformed men, silent, unsmiling, like onlookers at an accident.

From Project Gutenberg

Until then he had been an inconspicuous unit in the life of the community.

From Project Gutenberg

Gray and inconspicuous in coloring, we all know him in the cage; but how different in freedom!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• unobtrusive