UNASSUMING

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does unassuming mean? 

• UNASSUMING (adjective)
  The adjective UNASSUMING has 1 sense:

1. not arrogant or presuming

  Familiarity information: UNASSUMING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNASSUMING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not arrogant or presuming

Synonyms:

retiring; unassuming

Context example:

a shy retiring girl

Similar:

modest (marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself)

Derivation:

unassumingness (a quality of naturalness and simplicity)

 Context examples 

She was less handsome than her brother; but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

This unassuming style promotes study, that's why we adopt it, returned Laurie, who certainly could not be accused of vanity, having voluntarily sacrificed a handsome curly crop to the demand for quarter-inch-long stubble.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The greater honeyguide is widely found in sub-Saharan Africa, where its unassuming brown plumage belies its complex interactions with other species.

(How humans and wild Honeyguide birds call each other to help, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

When I lighted my candles, he fell into meek transports with the room that was revealed to him; and when I heated the coffee in an unassuming block-tin vessel in which Mrs. Crupp delighted to prepare it (chiefly, I believe, because it was not intended for the purpose, being a shaving-pot, and because there was a patent invention of great price mouldering away in the pantry), he professed so much emotion, that I could joyfully have scalded him.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“He is perfectly well behaved, polite, and unassuming,” said her uncle.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

You find us, Copperfield, said Mr. Micawber, with one eye on Traddles, at present established, on what may be designated as a small and unassuming scale; but, you are aware that I have, in the course of my career, surmounted difficulties, and conquered obstacles.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)