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

“Where she speaks from is so unassuming because it harnesses the young power that we see in the younger Bob and Rita in the film, but also because it doesn’t display everything that she is. It’s very cards-to-chest. Very quiet and still. Elegant and poised,” Lynch says, whose own formidable presence defined memorable appearances in “The Woman King” and “No Time to Die.”

From Los Angeles Times

The unassuming classic-rock veteran stops in Inglewood on what’s billed as a farewell tour by the band once known as the Electric Light Orchestra.

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

In an example of the unassuming brilliance with which Diop and editor Gabriel Gonzalez assemble the images and sounds of “Dahomey,” they cut from that depiction of ancient servitude to the young construction workers arduously getting the local museum ready for diplomats to visit.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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