unassuming

[uhn-uh-soo-ming]

adjective

1. modest; unpretentious.

unassuming

/ ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. modest or unpretentious

Other Word Forms

• unassumingly adverb
• unassumingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unassuming¹

First recorded in 1720–30; un- ¹ + assuming

Example Sentences

Routinely dispatched to this unassuming street in Marion County, Fla., the officers are invariably charmed by the tight-knit families they find, joking with the kids, commiserating easily with the parents.

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This simple, stylish spot is so unassuming, I walked by it twice before realizing I’d overshot the address.

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“The Fate of Ophelia,” a song about powerlessness and heartbreak, is unassuming and blandly catchy with a melody whose shape vaguely resembles Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”

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Rounded out by drummer James Krivchenia, the cosmic folk act has tucked themselves into a corner table, and, at a glance, appear as some of the most unassuming rock stars you will ever find.

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Like his father, Mac is unassuming and casual, but where Lorenzo is full of energy, always putting on a show and playing maestro for his customers, Mac is more reserved.

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Related Words

• diffident 
• humble 
• meek 
• modest 
• quiet 
• self-effacing 
• unobtrusive 
• unpretentious