unctuous

American  

[uhngk-choo-uhs] / ˈʌŋk tʃu əs /

adjective

1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.

2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.

3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

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unctuous British  

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ, ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

1. slippery or greasy

2. affecting an oily charm

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Other Word Forms

• unctuosity noun
• unctuously adverb
• unctuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of unctuous

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latin ūnctu(s) “act of anointing” ( ung(uere) “to smear, anoint” + -tus suffix of verb action) + -ōsus -ous

Explanation

You might know the idea of the adjective unctuous by other words like "oily," "smarmy," or overly "flattering." When a person is unctuous, you can't trust their kindness, because they usually want something in return. Interestingly, unctuous is derived from the Latin unctus which means "anointed with oil," which is where the oily connotation comes from. Unctuous and oily are synonyms that both suggest that someone is trying to butter you up; they're being nice, because they're hoping you'll give them what they want. Talk-show hosts, used-car salesmen, people who want your job: all of these are people we think of (rightly or wrongly) as being unctuous. Being an unctuous jerk, he gave me a gift, hoping I'd give him a record deal.

Example Sentences

A core subplot in the film involves Ella’s father, played with an unctuous, desperate charm by Harrelson, reappearing in her life after many years with his own agenda.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Chicken drumsticks simmer in a sticky sauce; a whole fish sizzles in a frying pan; an unctuous golden curry bubbles.

From New York Times • Nov. 22, 2023

As snow blew around in unctuous gusts, ten people heaved these cables through a drainpipe to the second story balcony of the computer building.

From Salon • May 29, 2023

That combination of pop from the tiny mustard seeds; the unctuous, melty fat of the salami; and the peppery hot flavors is, for 30 seconds, my idea of heaven.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2023

Baby Kochamma recognized at once the immense potential of the situation, but immediately anointed her thoughts with unctuous oils.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy