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

At Naïve Kitchen + Bar, Latin flavors meet Kentucky sensibility in a menu that’s vibrant, ingredient-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious. —Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026

Zash Boutique Hotel and Spa, Etna The easygoing, unpretentious spirit of this Etna hotel belies its gold-standard gastro form. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

The Aussie trio’s rowdy rants, unpretentious attitudes and pub accents come across as the hyperactive equivalent of chasing a can of Red Bull with a round of Malort shots. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

The Bolt had both its fans and detractors; the unpretentious crossover won over motorists for its range and simplicity at an appealing price. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 31 Dec. 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