unctuous

[ uhngk-choo-uhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.
3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

unctuous

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ; ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

1. slippery or greasy
2. affecting an oily charm

Derived Forms

• unctuosity, noun
• ˈunctuously, adverb

Other Words From

• unctu·ous·ly adverb
• unctu·ous·ness unc·tu·os·i·ty [uhngk-choo-, os, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latin ūnctu(s) “act of anointing” ( ung(uere) “to smear, anoint” + -tus suffix of verb action) + -ōsus -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

C14: from Medieval Latin unctuōsus, from Latin unctum ointment, from ungere to anoint

Example Sentences

One promising early antagonist is the late President’s unctuous daughter, Kimberly, played marvelously against type by Amber Tamblyn.

From Time

Know the risksWhile this unctuous fluid has plenty of things in its favor, there is a dark side to it.

From Popular-Science

Their righteous outbursts represent an ancient and unctuous form of Kabuki theater.

From The Daily Beast

It was an emotional speech, but a delightfully graceful, rather than unctuous and overblown, one.

From The Daily Beast

The memories of a hundred business trips came roaring back as I recalled the unctuous Cinnabon aroma that wafts through airports.

From The Daily Beast

Nobody liked him much to begin with, and all this slap-fighting has made him look even more unctuous and ineffectual.

From The Daily Beast

He delivered his repeated phrases with an unctuous indulgent roll that made Gwynne long to grind his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

Very little of that unctuous spasmodic shouting, which used to characterise Wesleyanism, is heard in Lune-street Chapel.

From Project Gutenberg

I am weary of retired colonels with port-stained faces, and vinegary old maids, and unctuous canons.

From Project Gutenberg

Her father's voice was unctuous with welcome as he hastened to meet the ponderous bulk that loomed through the dusk.

From Project Gutenberg

A man whom he liked and respected was about to fire the first shot on behalf of unctuous rectitude and the conventions.

From Project Gutenberg