unctuous
/ˈʌŋk.tʃu.əs/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
If someone is unctuous, they seem too smooth, polite, or flattering in a way that feels fake. It often suggests they are trying to impress or manipulate people.
- His unctuous smile made me distrust him.
- She gave an unctuous apology.
- The salesman sounded unctuous and insincere.
Adinary Nuance
Unctuous is stronger and more negative than polite or friendly. It suggests a fake warmth, often with a greasy or sycophantic feeling. Writers use it when someone’s manners seem calculated, not genuine.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- giả tạo
- Spanish
- untuoso
- Chinese
- 虚伪
- Japanese
- 嫌味な
- Korean
- 가식적인
Etymology
From Latin unctuosus, from unguere meaning “to anoint.” In English, the word first referred to something oily or greasy, then to people who seem overly smooth.
Common phrases
an unctuous tonean unctuous manneran unctuous smileunctuous praise
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is unctuous positive or negative?
- It is usually negative. It describes someone who seems fake, overly smooth, or too flattering.
- What is the difference between unctuous and polite?
- Polite is neutral or positive. Unctuous suggests politeness that feels false or manipulative.
- Can I use unctuous in formal writing?
- Yes. It is more common in written English, especially in criticism or description.
- Is unctuous a common everyday word?
- No. It is fairly uncommon and appears more in literature, reviews, and formal speech.