adjective
inconspicuous
in-kun-SPIK-yoo-us/ˌɪnkənˈspɪkjuəs/
Not easily noticed or attracting attention.
The moth remains inconspicuous against the matching mottled tree bark.
Etymology
Combining 'not' with 'visible, attracting attention' originally gave the stronger meaning 'invisible.' The sense weakened to something that can be seen but does not readily catch the eye.
In context
a needle puncture in the back is a very inconspicuous thing 99 doctors and 100 would almost certainly have overlooked it
More examples
- She tries to remain inconspicuous at the back of the room.
- An inconspicuous sign marks the entrance to the trail.
- The repair leaves only a small, inconspicuous patch.
Forms
inconspicuous · more inconspicuous · most inconspicuous
inconspicuously adverb — In a way that avoids attracting attention.
inconspicuousness noun — The quality of not being easily noticed.
Similar words
- unobtrusive
- Emphasizes not intruding or distracting, even when clearly visible.
- unnoticeable
- Suggests something cannot be noticed, rather than being easily overlooked.