unpretentious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unpretentious
First recorded in 1855–60; un- 1 + pretentious
Explanation
The adjective unpretentious is perfect for describing someone you know who's modest and natural and never tries to impress other people. Pretentious comes from the Latin word meaning "pretend," prætensus, so when you're unpretentious, you see no reason to pretend. Some of your favorite people are probably unpretentious, tending to be honest and genuine. When extremely talented or well-known people are unpretentious, they feel no need to show off or remind you of their accomplishments. A place can also be described as unpretentious, if it's simple and comfortable, like the cozy, unpretentious cafe where you like to hang out.
Vocabulary lists containing unpretentious
100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
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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.
The artist called them her "life partners", saying she had first grown to love their "generous, unpretentious looks" as a child.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
It's well-loved and unpretentious, with Chanel and Dior handbags dangling from the ceiling, and shelves of crystal-embellished heels.
From BBC ● Mar. 14, 2026
Its house and formal garden may appear rather grand, but I found Claude unpretentious and warm.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2025
Redford runs around downtown New York in a blazer and jeans and you see a glimpse of the whole of unpretentious action stardom that followed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2025
Headquarters for the company is a low-slung, unpretentious red brick building.
From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
