unctuous

American  

[uhngk-choo-uhs] / ˈʌŋk tʃu əs /

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.

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unctuous British  

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ, ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

1. slippery or greasy

2. affecting an oily charm

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Other Word Forms

• unctuosity noun
• unctuously adverb
• unctuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of unctuous

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

Example Sentences

A core subplot in the film involves Ella’s father, played with an unctuous, desperate charm by Harrelson, reappearing in her life after many years with his own agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

Give me tart vinegars and grassy, unctuous oils — infused with almonds, pistachios and lots of fresh, bright herbs.

From Salon

Moreover, the script transitions him, through Finan’s effective performance, from a gawky, bespectacled nerd putting on airs, into an unctuous political predator.

From Salon

His duke is a spasm of nervous tics and shifty glances, of unctuous charm and feigned candor.

From New York Times

Chicken drumsticks simmer in a sticky sauce; a whole fish sizzles in a frying pan; an unctuous golden curry bubbles.

From New York Times