How to pronounce unobtrusive
Say it like uhn-ub-TROO-siv. Unobtrusive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TROO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unobtrusive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- ub
- TROO
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unobtrusive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TROOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of unobtrusive
American and British speakers say unobtrusive in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnəbˈtrusɪv/ in the US and /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-ub-TROO-siv.
What does unobtrusive mean?
- Not obtrusive; not blatant or noticeable; discreet, inconspicuous.
Where does unobtrusive come from?
From un- (prefix meaning ‘not’) + obtrusive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unobtrusive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unobtrusive.
Questions about saying unobtrusive
How do you pronounce unobtrusive?
Say uhn-ub-TROO-siv. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnəbˈtrusɪv/. In British English it is /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unobtrusive?
Unobtrusive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TROO). Broken into parts: uhn · ub · TROO · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say unobtrusive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnəbˈtrusɪv/ and the British form is /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.