obtrusive

[ uhb-troo-siv ]

adjective

1. having or showing a disposition to obtrude, as by imposing oneself or one's opinions on others.

   Synonyms: presumptuous, officious, meddlesome

2. (of a thing) obtruding itself:

   an obtrusive error.

   Synonyms: blatant

3. protruding; projecting.

obtrusive

/ əbˈtruːsɪv /

adjective

1. obtruding or tending to obtrude
2. sticking out; protruding; noticeable

Derived Forms

• obˈtrusiveness, noun
• obˈtrusively, adverb

Other Words From

• ob·trusive·ly adverb
• ob·trusive·ness noun
• hyper·ob·trusive adjective
• hyper·ob·trusive·ly adverb
• hyper·ob·trusive·ness noun
• preob·trusive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obtrusive¹

1660–70; < Latin obtrūs ( us ) ( obtrusion ) + -ive

Example Sentences

The timing felt obtrusive to the election and I believe the judge was biased throughout.

From BBC

While wearable technologies with embedded sensors, such as smartwatches, are widely available, these devices can be uncomfortable, obtrusive and can inhibit the skin's intrinsic sensations.

From Science Daily

"There's an opportunity for less obtrusive methods of saving water to be more important than we originally thought," said lead author Anna Boser, a doctoral student at UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.

From Science Daily

Choose some pieces with lighter legs and silhouettes that are less obtrusive.

From Seattle Times

Disguising every pylon in the country would likely be expensive and impractical; however the National Grid has made efforts to change the traditional design of a pylon into something less obtrusive.

From BBC