Unassuming

Unassuming is an adjective. We use it to describe a person who is modest. Unassuming people tend not to draw attention to themselves. Often, they are very talented and accomplished people who don’t show off about their abilities and achievements.

Some examples:

• That unassuming person is really one of the richest people in town.
• She’s a famous actor but in her personal life she’s quiet and unassuming.
• He’s so modest and unassuming that you would never know that he’s the leading expert in his subject.

We can also use unassuming to describe something that looks quite plain, even though it might be particularly useful, luxurious or expensive.

Some examples:

• That unassuming building is the headquarters of one of the world’s biggest companies.
• It’s really quite unassuming, but that little device could change the lives of millions of people.
• It might look unassuming, but that house would cost you a fortune.

Similar words:

• humble
• modest
• shy
• unaffected
• unpretentious
• retiring
• reticent
• down-to-earth
• low-key
• un-flashy
• understated
• unostentatious

_{Posted by Graham}

_{Thanks to Yula for the question}