unctuous

[ uhngk-choo-uhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.
3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

unctuous

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ; ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

1. slippery or greasy
2. affecting an oily charm

Derived Forms

• unctuosity, noun
• ˈunctuously, adverb

Other Words From

• unctu·ous·ly adverb
• unctu·ous·ness unc·tu·os·i·ty [uhngk-choo-, os, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latin ūnctu(s) “act of anointing” ( ung(uere) “to smear, anoint” + -tus suffix of verb action) + -ōsus -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of unctuous¹

C14: from Medieval Latin unctuōsus, from Latin unctum ointment, from ungere to anoint

Example Sentences

Moreover, the script transitions him, through Finan’s effective performance, from a gawky, bespectacled nerd putting on airs, into an unctuous political predator.

From Salon

Trump is naturally very pleased with this unctuous display of sycophancy.

From Salon

His duke is a spasm of nervous tics and shifty glances, of unctuous charm and feigned candor.

From New York Times

Chicken drumsticks simmer in a sticky sauce; a whole fish sizzles in a frying pan; an unctuous golden curry bubbles.

From New York Times

The only question then, Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post wrote, "is which of the contenders will be most unctuous and self-abasing in defense of Donald Trump?"

From Salon