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

Nestled among apartments, laundromats, and liquor stores, this unpretentious taqueria with its signature Mexican pink walls is a staple of Dallas taco culture. —Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

Shorthand for authentic and unpretentious. —Jimmy Jellinek, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026

Come for the seafood and stay for the weekend live music and waterfront views that draw a loyal, unpretentious crowd. —Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026

Until now, the global art scene hadn’t quite made its way to the unpretentious seaside town, but Biarritz is conveniently flanked by major art hubs with Paris, Madrid, and Bilbao all within a short driving distance. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 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