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 Word Forms

• unpretentiously adverb
• unpretentiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpretentious¹

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

Example Sentences

He is unpretentious in his experiments and unafraid to get playful.

From Los Angeles Times

The tone, like the photo, is unpretentious and playful, heavy on character and story, not theory.

From Los Angeles Times

But either way, she quickly responds to the flattery with a return compliment, an unpretentious, “Thanks, I made it,” and moves the conversation forward.

From Los Angeles Times

It typified an anthemic style of song but their unpretentious and down-to-earth approach earned loyal followings on both sides of the Atlantic.

From BBC

Now the culinary director of the Day Off Group, Flamm has built a career on balancing bold, comforting flavors with an unpretentious approach to hospitality.

From Salon

Related Words

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