inexpressive
Americanadjective
-
lacking in expression
an inexpressive face
-
an archaic word for inexpressible
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of inexpressive
First recorded in 1645–55; in- 3 + expressive
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.
He suddenly appeared in public with a new fuller, puffier face, more immobile and inexpressive.
From BBC • May 30, 2026
The characters’ inexpressive faces are closer to Noh theater than to the Globe.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2025
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.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2022
The only weak link is the bass-baritone Eric Owens as King Philippe, his voice dry and colorless, his face and presence inexpressive, problems that also dogged his recent Met performances in “Porgy and Bess.”
From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2022
He lay with one leg bent beneath him, his jaw in his throat, his face neither expressive nor inexpressive.
From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien
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.
