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
1
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
innocuous remark
seemingly innocuous
innocuous substance
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more innocuous
- Superlative
- most innocuous
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").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for innocuous
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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