adj

innocuous

ih-NOK-yoo-uhs

Innocuous (adj) means not harmful; unlikely to cause damage or upset. Example: “It seemed like an innocuous comment, but it started an argument.”

adj

Not harmful; unlikely to cause damage or upset.

"It seemed like an innocuous comment, but it started an argument."

"The chemical is innocuous in small amounts."

How to use innocuous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo mild or harmless that it barely registers.

Common mistake

Do not confuse with innocent; innocuous describes things (comments, substances), while innocent usually describes people or actions with no wrongdoing.

Easily confused with

innocent →

Common pairings

innocuous remark seemingly innocuous innocuous substance

Word forms

more innocuous comparative, most innocuous superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

It seemed like an _____ comment, but it started an argument.

Etymology

From Latin innocuus, "harmless" — in- ("not") plus nocuus ("harmful").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for innocuous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

See all rhymes for innocuous →

Frequently asked questions

What does “innocuous” mean?

The word “innocuous” means not harmful; unlikely to cause damage or upset. In plain terms, so mild or harmless that it barely registers.

How do you pronounce “innocuous”?

“Innocuous” is pronounced ih-NOK-yoo-uhs (/ɪˈnɑkjuəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “innocuous” in a sentence?

Here is “innocuous” used in a sentence: “It seemed like an innocuous comment, but it started an argument.”

What part of speech is “innocuous”?

“Innocuous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “innocuous” come from?

The word “innocuous” comes from Latin. From Latin innocuus, "harmless" — in- ("not") plus nocuus ("harmful").

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