unpretentious

[ uhn-pri-ten-shuhs ]

adjective

1. not pretentious; modest; without ostentatious display; plain:

   his unpretentious demeanor; an unpretentious summer resort.

   Synonyms: easy, open, plain, humble

unpretentious

/ ˌʌnprɪˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. not making claim to distinction or importance undeservedly

Other Words From

• unpre·tentious·ly adverb
• unpre·tentious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpretentious¹

First recorded in 1855–60; un- ¹ + pretentious

Example Sentences

We try to be as unpretentious a band as possible and enjoy writing fun pop songs.

From The Daily Beast

He pulls the reader in with his unpretentious, laconic style, and with his refusal to shy away from acknowledging his own flaws.

From The Daily Beast

“[Ellen did] a crisp and unpretentious job,” wrote Tom Shales in The Washington Post.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, she thought he was an unpretentious software genius.

From The Daily Beast

Bergoglio is unpretentious and an advocate for the disadvantaged.

From The Daily Beast

A quiet, unpretentious old border town is Hereford, pleasantly located on the banks of the always beautiful Wye.

From Project Gutenberg

The houses of the well-off were unpretentious outside, but were fitted inside with comfort and even elegance.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the most unpretentious houses in Pompeii have in them the remains of staircases (Fig. 44).

From Project Gutenberg

Sit down, sister; we are very proud and very happy that you have accepted our unpretentious invitation.

From Project Gutenberg

Something also it owed to its unpretentious yet practical and utilitarian character.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• folksy
• homey
• humble
• laid-back
• modest
• simple
• straightforward
• unassuming