German word

unauffällig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnˌaʊ̯fɛlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinconspicuous

Example

Er trägt eine unauffällige Jacke.

He is wearing an inconspicuous jacket.

Illustration for unauffällig (inconspicuous)

More examples

Die Designerin wählte unauffällige Stoffe für die Kollektion.

The designer chose inconspicuous fabrics for the collection.

Core concept

Nothing catches the eye: a quiet color, simple design, or restrained movement merges with the background.

Common phrases

  • eine unauffällige Tasche

    an inconspicuous bag

  • ein unauffälliges Make-up

    inconspicuous makeup

  • ein unauffälliges Auftreten

    an inconspicuous demeanor

Similar words

unaufdringlich: Quiet and unobtrusive, without imposing on people nearby.
unscheinbar: Unremarkable in appearance, lacking any eye-catching features.
dezent: Tastefully restrained in color, style, or appearance.
bescheiden: Humble in manner, without drawing attention to personal strengths or success.

Definition in German

so, dass etwas kaum auffällt oder nicht im Mittelpunkt steht

Word origin

The word is built from un- meaning not and auffällig meaning noticeable, with auffällig deriving from auffallen, the verb for standing out or attracting attention.

Usage tips

  • English discreet can also mean tactful or careful with information, but unauffällig usually concerns being hard to notice rather than confidentiality.

Other meanings

  • discreetadjective
  • plainadjective
  • subtleadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Unauffälligkeitinconspicuousnessnoun
  • unauffälligerweiseinconspicuouslyadverb

Word lists with this word