unpretentious

adjective

un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs 

: free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation : modest

unpretentious homes

an unpretentious celebrity

unpretentiously adverb

unpretentiousness noun

Synonyms of unpretentious

• genuine
• unaffected
• honest
• simple
• true
• innocent

Examples of unpretentious in a Sentence

a casual and unpretentious restaurant

a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South

Recent Examples on the Web

That raw, unpretentious approach to words was my baseline. — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

From the very first shots, we are taken in by an unpretentious filmmaker completely clear in his intention, someone who trusts both himself and us. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

This trio is unpretentious and yet so effortlessly chic—and all available in summer-weight materials below. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 27 June 2026

Apart from the natural beauty of the five-star resort, there’s a refreshing, unpretentious anything-goes-itinerary-wise vibe. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unpretentious

• conscientious
• contentious
• pretentious
• sententious
• tendentious

Kids Definition

unpretentious

adjective

un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten-chəs 

: not pretentious : not showy : simple, modest

pleasant but unpretentious homes

unpretentiously adverb