undemonstrative

American

[uhn-duh-mon-struh-tiv] / ˌʌn dəˈmɒn strə tɪv /

adjective

not given to open exhibition or expression of emotion, especially of affection.

Synonyms:

impassive, unresponsive, shy, reserved

undemonstrative British

/ ˌʌndɪˈmɒnstrətɪv /

adjective

tending not to show the feelings; of a reserved nature

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of undemonstrative

First recorded in 1840–50; un- ¹ + demonstrative

Vocabulary lists containing undemonstrative

30 GRE Words Beginning with "T" "U" "V" and "W"

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She is as warm and outgoing as he is taciturn and undemonstrative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The 39-year-old was a presidential protégé - loyal, modest, undemonstrative.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2025

A four-time All-Star at age 29, is publicly undemonstrative.

From Washington Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Messi has always been a quiet, undemonstrative sort of genius.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2021

The unrestrained life we had led made me believe that my new friends would be undemonstrative about my leaving.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023