flattering

American  

[flat-er-ing] / ˈflæt ər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. enhancing the appearance of a person or thing, as by highlighting pleasing features or making less pleasing ones inconspicuous.

   You'll receive expert advice on the most flattering shades of makeup for your complexion.

2. causing a person or thing to seem better or more attractive than is really the case.

   She avoids the weakness of many memoirs by not creating an overly flattering picture of herself or her parents.

3. pleasing or gratifying someone by attention or compliments.

   The publisher sent me a very flattering invitation to write a study of Robert Browning.

4. praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively, especially in an attempt to curry favor.

   I’m a remarkably accurate judge of people’s character, and am not misled by flattering words or nice clothes.

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noun

1. the act of attempting to curry favor by praising or complimenting someone insincerely or excessively.

   After a glass of cognac and much flattering and coaxing, he did finally grant our request.

Other Word Forms

• flatteringly adverb
• half-flattering adjective
• half-flatteringly adverb
• unflattering adjective
• unflatteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of flattering

First recorded in 1200–50; flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; flatter ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

“It’s very flattering, and excellent to have that positioning, but if anything this announcement is one of us bringing the community along with us,” Chow said.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Other recent data points haven’t exactly painted a flattering picture of the state of the U.S. consumer and labor market.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

Other critics were more flattering, with the Financial Times's Danny Leigh giving it three stars.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

After a weekend of flattering coverage, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he is open to strikes against Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Iran and Greenland.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2026

“I see your father has taught you his world-famous flattering ways.”

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Related Words

• complimentary