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"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week In Culture: February 29–March 6, 2020
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Billy Budd
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
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
I found him unpretentious and easygoing in conversation, not given to theoretical double-talk, and with none of the abrasive New York swagger of his contemporaries.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025
Although his public persona was quite vivid—convivial, erudite but unpretentious, articulate, and unfailingly charming—he did not imbue his buildings with a distinctive graphic sensibility.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025
Delgado, who goes by his yoga name, Raghavan Dad, was soft spoken and unpretentious, a gentle but authoritative presence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2025
An unpretentious Lutheran church—a chapel, really—that looks like a set for an Ingmar Bergman drama and can seat only about fifty parishioners, guards the site of the cemetery.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
