inexpressive

[in-ik-spres-iv]

adjective

1. not expressive; lacking in expression.

2. Obsolete.,  inexpressible.

inexpressive

/ ˌɪnɪkˈsprɛsɪv /

adjective

1. lacking in expression

   an inexpressive face

2. an archaic word for inexpressible

Other Word Forms

• inexpressively adverb
• inexpressiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inexpressive¹

First recorded in 1645–55; in- ³ + expressive

Example Sentences

The characters’ inexpressive faces are closer to Noh theater than to the Globe.

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Captain Holt's often inexpressive face concealed a character of depth and warmth who viewers came to adore.

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Some responses described autistic people as “shut down from the outside world” or “completely inexpressive and apparently without emotions,” according to the November 2022 Frontiers in Psychology study.

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In many societies, boys and men are expected to be strong, active, aggressive, tough, daring, heterosexual, emotionally inexpressive and dominant.

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The second consequence is a quality-of-life issue for emotionally inexpressive men and anyone who has to deal with them, as illustrated by this actual exchange between co-workers.

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