unctuous

[uhngk-choo-uhs]

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.

unctuous

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ, ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

1. slippery or greasy

2. affecting an oily charm

Other Word Forms

• unctuously adverb
• unctuousness noun
• unctuosity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

C14: from Medieval Latin unctuōsus, from Latin unctum ointment, from ungere to anoint

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.

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Give me tart vinegars and grassy, unctuous oils — infused with almonds, pistachios and lots of fresh, bright herbs.

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Moreover, the script transitions him, through Finan’s effective performance, from a gawky, bespectacled nerd putting on airs, into an unctuous political predator.

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Trump is naturally very pleased with this unctuous display of sycophancy.

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His duke is a spasm of nervous tics and shifty glances, of unctuous charm and feigned candor.

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