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

• artless
• genuine
• guileless
• honest
• ingenuous
• innocent
• naive
• naïve
• natural
• real
• simple
• sincere
• true
• unaffected
• unpretending

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

In another iconic food documentary on Netflix’s roster of originals, chef David Chang explores the vibrant — and sometimes prickly — intersections of culture, history, and cuisine in a refreshingly frank and unpretentious way. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025

Seen as affable and unpretentious, Omella lives humbly in the same way Pope Francis did, promoting social justice and advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive church. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 2025

National Today Regardless of its true origin, the Sloppy Joe gained widespread popularity in the United States, becoming a symbol of comfort food known for its flavorful and unpretentious nature. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

Even before Criterion started filming these visits, Becker suspected these unpretentious salutes to cinephilia (and physical media) would make an impression. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 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