WordGarden.iointrusiveness
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪntrˈuːsɪvnəs/
US
- /ˌɪnˈtrusɪvnɛs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being unwelcome or overly invasive in someone's privacy, space, attention, or affairs
Beyond the definition
Intrusiveness describes behavior that feels unwanted, bothersome, or too involved in someone else's life or space. Think about a persistent salesperson calling you again and again after you've asked them to stop; that is a clear example. It can be physical, like someone standing too close for comfort, or personal, like asking questions that are too private. Curiosity is not always a problem, but it crosses the line when it ignores boundaries or makes someone uncomfortable. Checking in on a friend can be caring; constantly asking about their love life is more likely to feel intrusive.
Intrusiveness refers to the quality of interfering with someone's privacy, activities, or peace of mind in a way that feels unwelcome and often annoying. It is more than simply getting someone's attention; it suggests that a boundary has been crossed, whether that boundary is physical, emotional, or informational.
The idea is closely connected to personal space and respect for independence. What feels normal to one person may feel far too invasive to another. For example, targeted online advertising often depends on collecting personal data, and many people see that as an invasion of privacy. In everyday life, a nosy neighbor who is always peering over the fence shows the same kind of unwanted involvement.
The word can also be used in more specific settings. In psychology, "intrusive thoughts" are unwanted thoughts or mental images that can cause distress. In law, the idea can relate to trespass or invasion of privacy. The level of intrusiveness is often subjective: something meant as help by one person may feel controlling or suffocating to someone else.
It is also worth noting that this kind of behavior is not always meant to cause harm. Sometimes it comes from concern, poor judgment, or a failure to notice another person's limits. A friend who keeps offering advice that was never asked for may mean well, yet still make the other person uncomfortable. In the end, the word points to unwanted interference and a lack of respect for boundaries, whether the issue involves physical space, private matters, or peace of mind.
Examples
- 1
App notifications
I stopped using the app because of the intrusiveness of its constant notifications.
- 2
Sensitive survey
The survey asks about money and health, but it tries to keep intrusiveness to a minimum.
- 3
Workplace monitoring
Many employees objected to the intrusiveness of the new monitoring software.
- 4
Medical procedure
The doctor compared the benefits of the procedure with its level of intrusiveness.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Security checks
Good security checks protect visitors without the intrusiveness of a full search.
See also
Similar
- invasiveness
- obtrusiveness
- pushiness
Shades of meaning
- nosiness
- overreach
- encroachment
Contrast
- unobtrusiveness
- respect for boundaries
Used with (collocations)
- level of intrusiveness
- perceived intrusiveness
- reduce intrusiveness
- intrusiveness of surveillance
Word family
- intrusive
- intrusively
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- intrusivenessnoun