uncommunicative

[ uhn-kuh-myoo-ni-kuh-tiv, -key-tiv ]

adjective

1. not inclined to talk or disclose information; reserved; taciturn.

   Synonyms: shy, retiring, withdrawn, reticent

uncommunicative

/ ˌʌnkəˈmjuːnɪkətɪv /

adjective

1. disinclined to talk or give information or opinions

Derived Forms

• ˌuncomˈmunicatively, adverb
• ˌuncomˈmunicativeness, noun

Other Words From

• uncom·muni·ca·tive·ly adverb
• uncom·muni·ca·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncommunicative¹

First recorded in 1685–95; un- ¹ + communicative

Example Sentences

Jim Doyle was the uncommunicative spokesman for Archibald Cox and Leon Jaworski at the Watergate Special Prosecution Force.

From The Daily Beast

Inside the main cabin, the family huddled before the fire, as uncommunicative as cattle.

From Project Gutenberg

Smith was unusually absent and uncommunicative, to such a degree that Nickelsen at last asked him point blank what was the matter.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief distinction in the temperament of the sexes is that the men are frank and talkative, the women shy and uncommunicative.

From Project Gutenberg

Here are two stray utterances, worth gathering from a man so uncommunicative in that form.

From Project Gutenberg

But the young ladies were arch and uncommunicative, pretending that their attention was engaged in their hospitable duties.

From Project Gutenberg