inexpressive

[ in-ik-spres-iv ]

adjective

1. not expressive; lacking in expression.
2. Obsolete. inexpressible.

inexpressive

/ ˌɪnɪkˈsprɛsɪv /

adjective

1. lacking in expression

   an inexpressive face

2. an archaic word for inexpressible

Derived Forms

• ˌinexˈpressively, adverb
• ˌinexˈpressiveness, noun

Other Words From

• inex·pressive·ly adverb
• inex·pressive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inexpressive¹

First recorded in 1645–55; in- ³ + expressive

Example Sentences

Captain Holt's often inexpressive face concealed a character of depth and warmth who viewers came to adore.

From BBC

The moments of wit and feeling that occasionally steal into the frame — in Cassie’s stubborn yet affectionate eye-rolls, Hank’s genial befuddlement and Janet’s poignant mix of guilt and resolve — feel like emotional outliers in a flat, inexpressive void.

From Los Angeles Times

Some responses described autistic people as “shut down from the outside world” or “completely inexpressive and apparently without emotions,” according to the November 2022 Frontiers in Psychology study.

From Science Magazine

In many societies, boys and men are expected to be strong, active, aggressive, tough, daring, heterosexual, emotionally inexpressive and dominant.

From Salon

The second consequence is a quality-of-life issue for emotionally inexpressive men and anyone who has to deal with them, as illustrated by this actual exchange between co-workers.

From Salon