unpretentious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unpretentious
First recorded in 1855–60; un- 1 + pretentious
Explanation
The adjective unpretentious is perfect for describing someone you know who's modest and natural and never tries to impress other people. Pretentious comes from the Latin word meaning "pretend," prætensus, so when you're unpretentious, you see no reason to pretend. Some of your favorite people are probably unpretentious, tending to be honest and genuine. When extremely talented or well-known people are unpretentious, they feel no need to show off or remind you of their accomplishments. A place can also be described as unpretentious, if it's simple and comfortable, like the cozy, unpretentious cafe where you like to hang out.
Vocabulary lists containing unpretentious
100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
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This Week In Culture: February 29–March 6, 2020
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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.
Clad in a sleeveless bright green dress, Anderson, 57, radiates an ageless grace, undeniably sophisticated yet unpretentious in her demeanor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
It’s relaxed, unpretentious, with delicious modern British food—and just a 15-minute drive to the flowering camellias at Abbotsbury.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 11, 2026
It's well-loved and unpretentious, with Chanel and Dior handbags dangling from the ceiling, and shelves of crystal-embellished heels.
From BBC ● Mar. 14, 2026
But here they are the honored guests at the center of an unpretentious cinephilic atmosphere, where volunteers with vibrant wigs and Midwestern charm mind the lines that form outside the theaters around town.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
Danny’s brother’s bar mitzvah celebration, which I attended on a Monday morning during the third week in October, was a simple and unpretentious affair.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
