unctuous

adjective

unc·​tu·​ous ˈəŋ(k)-chə-wəs 

-chəs,

-shwəs

1

: having, revealing, or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality

2

a

: fatty, oily

b

: smooth and greasy in texture or appearance

3

: plastic

fine unctuous clay

unctuously adverb

unctuousness noun

Did you know?

Is unctuous positive or negative?

Nowadays, unctuous usually has a negative connotation, but it originated as a term describing a positive act: that of healing. The word comes from the Latin verb unguere (“to anoint”), a root that also gave rise to the words unguent (“a soothing or healing salve”) and ointment. The oily nature of ointments may have led to the use of unctuous to describe things marked by an artificial gloss of sentimentality. An unctuous individual may mean well, but the person’s insincere effusiveness can leave an unwelcome residue—much like that of some ointments.

Synonyms

• fake
• double
• lip
• superficial
• strained
• hypocritical
• pretended
• insincere
• hollow
• meaningless
• artificial
• phoney
• pious
• phony
• unnatural

Examples of unctuous in a Sentence

an unctuous effort to appear religious to the voters

an unctuous appraisal of the musical talent shown by the boss's daughter

Recent Examples on the Web

Dishes like Hokkaido scallop crudo and zatar and yogurt rubbed swordfish kabob with eggplant, roasted tomato, and tahini are transporting and the unctuous roasted bone marrow is simply a must-have dish. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Amenities: Spa, fitness center, indoor pool, restaurants, bar Editor’s tip: The hotel has partnered with ramen stalwart Ippudo to deliver a bowl of comforting and unctuous noodles straight to your room. —Christina Liao, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2025

When coitus occurs, it’s scored by unctuous music. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025

Cento Flat Fillet Anchovies in Olive Oil: An overly unctuous texture left our panel with a bad taste in their collective mouths. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus act of anointing, from unguere to anoint

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

unctuous

adjective

unc·​tu·​ous ˈəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)s 

ˈəŋ(k)sh-wəs

1

: smooth and greasy like an ointment : oily

2

: too smooth, polite, and agreeable in speech or manner

unctuously adverb

unctuousness noun

Medical Definition

unctuous

adjective

unc·​tu·​ous ˈəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)s, ˈəŋ(k)sh-wəs 

: rich in oil or fat : fatty

an unctuous pharmaceutical preparation