unobtrusive

[ uhn-uhb-troo-siv ]
See synonyms for unobtrusive on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. not obtrusive; inconspicuous, unassertive, or reticent.

Origin of unobtrusive

1
First recorded in 1735–45; un-1 + obtrusive

Other words from unobtrusive

  • un·ob·tru·sive·ly, adverb
  • un·ob·tru·sive·ness, noun

Words Nearby unobtrusive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use unobtrusive in a sentence

  • The butler had come up to his master in the unobtrusive manner of a well-trained servant, and was waiting an opportunity to speak.

    Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
  • What has preceded shows how simple, unobtrusive, passive is the part played by the accountant-general.

  • My clothes are a bit conspicuous in this setting, no matter how unobtrusive my thoughts and actions.

    My Wonderful Visit | Charlie Chaplin
  • Mrs. Welsh was happy, too, but a little tearful in an unobtrusive way.

    Wayside Courtships | Hamlin Garland

British Dictionary definitions for unobtrusive

unobtrusive

/ (ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv) /


adjective
  1. not noticeable or conspicuous

Derived forms of unobtrusive

  • unobtrusively, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012