unceremonious

adjective

un·​cer·​e·​mo·​ni·​ous ˌən-ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs 

1

: not ceremonious : informal

2

: abrupt, rude

an unceremonious dismissal

unceremoniously adverb

unceremoniousness noun

Synonyms

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• crusty
• curt
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy

Examples of unceremonious in a Sentence

His unceremonious dismissal by the new boss surprised everybody.

my polite request was met with an unceremonious refusal

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s no shortage of pop culture references showcasing how badly an unceremonious pause can go (cough, Ross and Rachel). —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 24 Feb. 2025

In December 2024, the closure of RateBeer was announced in rather unceremonious fashion with Tucker posting a public statement on the website with instructions on how users can download their ratings before the site is closed down. —Don Tse, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Guthrie's ascension occurred the day after Curry announced her unceremonious departure from Today in June 2012. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Despite the unceremonious ending to lame duck, dozens of bills from the post-election period of lawmaking still await Whitmer's signature. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unceremonious

• acrimonious
• ceremonious
• inharmonious
• parsimonious
• sanctimonious
• erroneous
• felonious
• harmonious
• peroneus
• polonius

Kids Definition

unceremonious

adjective

un·​cer·​e·​mo·​ni·​ous ˌən-ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs 

: acting without or lacking ordinary courtesy : abrupt

an unceremonious departure

unceremoniously adverb