What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unobtrusive
Example
The waiter was unobtrusive, quietly refilling our glasses without interrupting our conversation. [unobtrusive: adjective]
Example
The design of the building was intentionally unobtrusive, blending in with the surrounding landscape. [unobtrusive: adjective]
unnoticeable
Example
The small scratch on the car was unnoticeable unless you looked closely. [unnoticeable: adjective]
Example
Her absence at the party was unnoticeable since there were so many people there. [unnoticeable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unobtrusive is more commonly used than unnoticeable in everyday language. Unobtrusive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unnoticeable is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unobtrusive and unnoticeable?
Both unobtrusive and unnoticeable are relatively formal words, but unobtrusive is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while unnoticeable is more limited in its usage and tends to be used in more technical or specialized contexts.
