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

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

Despite her reputation as being unpretentious, she acquired a notoriety on set, intimidating directors and costars.

From Los Angeles Times

Her deft brushwork, dazzling sense of color and unpretentious approach transform her humble, charming ceramics into artworks that captivate the eye and engage the heart and mind.

From Los Angeles Times

But, as told in the Director’s Cut’s commentary, he won it by pitching “the most straight-forward, unpretentious, riveting thriller like ‘Psycho’ or ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ or even the most brilliant B-level like ‘Night of the Living Dead’ or ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ but I want it to look, and I’m going to do this, like ‘2001.’

From Salon

He’s unpretentious, serious, funny and cutting.

From Salon

Related Words

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