unobtrusive
gb/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv/ us/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv/
C1
English
nem feltűnő, diszkrét, nem tolakodó, tapintatos, visszafogott
C1
1
nem feltűnő
B1
diszkrét
B2
Usage pattern:
[something/someone] is unobtrusive
She chose an unobtrusive gray coat that didn’t stand out in photos.
Egy nem feltűnő szürke kabátot választott, amely nem tűnt ki a fotókon.
The café has unobtrusive lighting that makes the room feel calm.
A kávézóban diszkrét világítás van, amitől a helyiség nyugodt hangulatú.
He sat in an unobtrusive corner and listened to the discussion.
Learner examples
The logo is small and unobtrusive.
A logó kicsi és nem feltűnő.
He wears unobtrusive colors at work.
A munkahelyén nem feltűnő színeket visel.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with unobstructed (meaning ‘not blocked’).
Meaning
not easily noticed
Collocations
unobtrusive color
|unobtrusive sign
|unobtrusive clothing
|unobtrusive makeup
|unobtrusive style
|unobtrusive background
|unobtrusive corner
|unobtrusive building
|unobtrusive logo
|unobtrusive presence
Synonyms
inconspicuous (A direct synonym emphasizing ‘hard to notice’.)
|
understated (Suggests a deliberately simple, not showy style.)
|
subtle (Emphasizes delicate or slight visibility rather than none.)
|
low-key (More informal; often about a relaxed, not showy vibe.)
Antonyms
conspicuous (Easy to notice; stands out.)
|
noticeable (Clearly seen or detected.)
|
showy (Designed to attract attention.)
Themes
appearance
|behavior
|daily_life
Definition
Not easy to see or notice.
Not attracting attention; not obvious or noticeable in appearance, sound, or behavior.
C1
2
nem tolakodó
B1
tapintatos
B2
Usage pattern:
unobtrusive [service/help/questions/attention]
The waiter was friendly and attentive but unobtrusive.
A pincér barátságos és figyelmes volt, de nem volt tolakodó.
She asked a few unobtrusive questions and then changed the topic.
Feltett néhány tapintatos kérdést, aztán témát váltott.
Good managers stay available while remaining unobtrusive day to day.
Learner examples
The staff were helpful but unobtrusive.
A személyzet segítőkész volt, de nem tolakodó.
Common mistake:
Unobtrusive is positive (not bothering); obtrusive/intrusive is negative (too noticeable or pushy).
Meaning
not bothering or interrupting
Collocations
unobtrusive service
|unobtrusive staff
|unobtrusive help
|unobtrusive questions
|unobtrusive attention
|unobtrusive manner
|unobtrusive support
|unobtrusive security
|unobtrusive supervision
|unobtrusive assistance
Synonyms
discreet (Emphasizes tact and respect for privacy.)
|
considerate (Focuses on being thoughtful about others’ comfort.)
|
tactful (Highlights careful choice of words or behavior.)
Antonyms
intrusive (Involving unwanted interference or attention.)
|
obtrusive (Too noticeable or pushy in a way that annoys people.)
|
pushy (Informal; too forceful or demanding.)
Themes
social
|service
|communication
Definition
Polite and quiet; not bothering other people.
Not interfering with, interrupting, or making demands on other people; discreet and considerate.
C1
3
visszafogott
B2
diszkrét
B2
Usage pattern:
unobtrusive [design/interface/technology/feature]
They chose unobtrusive ceiling speakers that blend into the room.
Olyan diszkrét mennyezeti hangszórókat választottak, amelyek beleolvadnak a helyiségbe.
The app’s unobtrusive interface keeps the focus on the content.
Az alkalmazás visszafogott felülete a tartalomra irányítja a figyelmet.
We installed unobtrusive security cameras near the entrances.
Learner examples
I like an unobtrusive design.
Szeretem a visszafogott dizájnt.
Common mistake:
Often used for design/tech meaning ‘blends in’ (not ‘hidden’ or ‘invisible’).
Meaning
designed to blend in
Collocations
unobtrusive design
|unobtrusive interface
|unobtrusive feature
|unobtrusive camera
|unobtrusive microphone
|unobtrusive speakers
|unobtrusive controls
|unobtrusive notification
|unobtrusive branding
|unobtrusive monitoring
Synonyms
minimal (Emphasizes simplicity and few elements.)
|
streamlined (Suggests reduced clutter and smooth operation.)
|
subtle (Focuses on gentle, not dominant visual impact.)
Antonyms
bold (Strong, attention-grabbing design.)
|
flashy (Showy in a way meant to impress.)
|
cluttered (Too many visible elements competing for attention.)
Themes
design
|technology
|home
Definition
Made so it doesn’t stand out.
Designed or placed so that it blends into its surroundings and does not dominate the space or user experience.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unobtrusive
IPA
GB/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv/
US/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv/
Syllables & stress
un - ob - trus - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (trus)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unobtrusive
Expressions
in an unobtrusive way
1/ˈɪn ən ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv wˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
without attracting attention
Quietly, without people noticing much.
Examples
- She corrected the mistake in an unobtrusive way so no one felt embarrassed.
- The photographer moved around in an unobtrusive way during the ceremony.
- Try to gather feedback in an unobtrusive way rather than interrupting the meeting.
Learner examples
- Please help in an unobtrusive way.
unobtrusive design
1/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv dɪzˈaɪn/
fixed phrase
design that blends in
A design that doesn’t look too noticeable.
Examples
- The brand is known for unobtrusive design and clean lines.
- We wanted unobtrusive design that wouldn’t compete with the artwork.
- Unobtrusive design helps the interface feel calm and easy to use.
Learner examples
- I prefer unobtrusive design.
unobtrusive monitoring
1/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv mˈɑnətɚɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
monitoring that doesn’t interfere
Checking something in the background without disturbing people.
Examples
- The system enables unobtrusive monitoring of network performance.
- Hospitals are testing unobtrusive monitoring to track patients’ sleep.
- Unobtrusive monitoring tools can alert you only when something changes.
unobtrusive presence
1/ˌʌnəbtɹˈusɪv pɹˈɛzəns/
fixed phrase
being present but unnoticed
Being there quietly, without bothering anyone.
Examples
- He maintained an unobtrusive presence in the office and let the team lead.
- Security kept an unobtrusive presence at the event.
- She was an unobtrusive presence at the meeting, taking notes and speaking only when asked.
Learner examples
- He had an unobtrusive presence at the party.