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 even a regular, inconspicuous briefcase could hold millions of dollars in bonds.

From Salon

This leads us to one of the most important parts of Smith and de Mesquita’s graph: the inconspicuous gray line on the right.

From Salon

As I pulled into the driveway of an inconspicuous host church outside Howell, Michigan, for the first day of the revival, I was welcomed by beaming children and women waving colorful, handmade signs: Jesus Is So Excited You’re Here.

From Slate

A surreptitious telehealth visit and an inconspicuous package arriving in the mail containing abortion pills is a private, safe way for women in anti-abortion states to have agency over their bodies.

From Slate

The line isn’t exactly inconspicuous.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• unobtrusive