unassuming

adjective

un·​as·​sum·​ing ˌən-ə-ˈsü-miŋ How to pronounce unassuming (audio)
Synonyms of unassumingnext
approving
: not assuming : not having or showing a desire to be noticed : modest
an unassuming librarian
an unassuming manner
They lived in an unassuming house/neighborhood.
unassumingness noun

Examples of unassuming in a Sentence

He's just an unassuming guy. They lived in an unassuming home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Carrick is unassuming, and shows restraint in press conferences. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 24 May 2026 Since 1971, Robert Hansen, an unassuming 44-year-old Anchorage bakery owner and married father of two, had been abducting dancers and prostitutes, flying them to the backcountry on his Piper Super Cub plane and then releasing them and—armed with a gun and hunting knife—stalking them like wild prey. Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 Though its small, blue blossoms may seem unassuming, hummingbirds will seek out rosemary's nectar-rich flowers. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 May 2026 For two people who are reinventing a big chunk of 20th-century mathematics, Clausen and Scholze are unassuming. Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unassuming

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unassuming was in 1722

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Cite this Entry

“Unassuming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unassuming. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

unassuming

adjective
un·​as·​sum·​ing ˌən-ə-ˈsü-miŋ How to pronounce unassuming (audio)
: not pretentious : modest
an unassuming manner
an unassuming neighborhood
unassumingly adverb

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