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

It was a tasteful, complementary addition for a band that’s long favored a more no-frills stage production and allowed them to dispense with the more obtrusive video screens customary with arena shows, instead incorporating live footage of the band into the design in a more interesting and organic way.

From Seattle Times

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