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

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

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

Primland’s founder, Didier Primat, built the resort as a retreat from everyday life—a place where guests could connect with the land and with each other in a setting that feels luxurious yet unpretentious. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025

The restaurant feels cozy and unpretentious, while the food is colorful and bright – some dishes are even served with edible flowers on top. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

Ginger’s drinks are impeccably crafted, unpretentious, and uniquely Dallas. —Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

For Rosenthal, a haimish service style — that’s Yiddish for cozily unpretentious — is crucial to the venture. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025

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