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Obtrusive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obtrusive

[əbˈtruːsɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inconvenient

Having or showing a disposition to intrude or interfere with other people's affairs or business.

Synonyms

intrusive, overbearing, pushy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obtrusive

Used when something or someone is unpleasantly noticeable or stands out in a way that is not welcomed.

  • The loud colors of the advertisement were obtrusive and clashed with the calm atmosphere of the park.
  • Her obtrusive questions made everyone uncomfortable at the meeting.
intrusive

Appropriate when describing someone or something that invades personal space or privacy without permission.

  • The neighbor's intrusive behavior made it hard for us to have any privacy in our own backyard.
  • He found the constant notifications from the smartphone app to be very intrusive.
pushy

Used in informal settings to describe someone who is aggressively pursuing their own agenda or trying to persuade others to do something.

  • The salesperson was too pushy, trying to make me buy something I didn't need.
  • She can be a bit pushy when it comes to getting what she wants.
overbearing

Best used when someone is trying to dominate or control others in an unpleasant and forceful way.

  • Her overbearing boss micromanaged every aspect of the project.
  • His overbearing personality often pushed people away.

Examples of usage

  • She found his obtrusive manner offensive.
  • The obtrusive salesperson wouldn't leave us alone.
Context #2 | Adjective

noticeable

Noticeable or prominent in an unwelcome or intrusive way.

Synonyms

conspicuous, obnoxious, prominent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obtrusive

Use when indicating something or someone that stands out in a way that is unwelcome or intrusive. Often used in a negative context.

  • His obtrusive behavior at the meeting annoyed everyone.
  • The decorations were so obtrusive that they distracted from the ceremony.
prominent

Best for describing something or someone that is well-known or important in a positive or neutral context.

  • She is a prominent figure in the scientific community.
  • The sign was placed in a prominent location for everyone to see.
conspicuous

Appropriate for describing something that is easily seen or noticed, positive or neutral connotation.

  • She wore a red dress that made her look conspicuous among the crowd.
  • The error in the report was conspicuous and needed to be corrected immediately.
obnoxious

Used to describe someone or something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive, highly negative connotation.

  • His obnoxious comments made the entire evening uncomfortable.
  • The smell from the garbage was absolutely obnoxious.

Examples of usage

  • The obtrusive sound of construction outside was disrupting the meeting.
  • The obtrusive billboard blocked the view of the mountains.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'obtrusive'

The word 'obtrusive' originated from the Latin word 'obtrudere', which means 'to thrust upon'. The term was first used in the early 17th century to describe something that pushes itself forward in an intrusive or unwelcome manner.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,895, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.