unassuming

[ uhn-uh-soo-ming ]

adjective

1. modest; unpretentious.

unassuming

/ ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. modest or unpretentious

Derived Forms

• ˌunasˈsumingly, adverb
• ˌunasˈsumingness, noun

Other Words From

• unas·suming·ly adverb
• unas·suming·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unassuming¹

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

Example Sentences

Research Casting International’s unassuming warehouse sits on the bank of a quiet bay about 100 miles east of Toronto.

From Los Angeles Times

Along a small street in Nepal's Bhaktapur city stands an unassuming building with a strange name - the Museum of Stolen Art.

From BBC

Since his death football fans have flooded social media with tributes to the former star, with one describing him as a "brilliant, underrated striker and lovely, unassuming man".

From BBC

In person, Baker is boyish and down to earth, his clothes a comfy, unpretentious combo of sweatshirt and nondescript jeans, the familiar wardrobe of this most unassuming of America’s new wave of indie auteurs.

From Los Angeles Times

When she walks into the courthouse in the French city of Avignon, flanked by her children and a team of lawyers, Gisèle Pelicot cuts an unassuming figure.

From BBC

Related Words

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