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Unctuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unctuous

[ˈʌŋk.tʃu.əs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Excessively smooth or smug; insincerely polite or ingratiating.

Synonyms

fawning, obsequious, oily, sycophantic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unctuous

Use 'unctuous' when describing someone who is excessively flattering or smooth in a way that feels insincere, often related to speech or behavior.

  • His unctuous comments about her beauty made everyone uncomfortable
sycophantic

Use 'sycophantic' when describing someone who behaves in an overly flattering or servile manner towards someone important to gain advantage. It has a very negative connotation.

  • The president's sycophantic advisors told him only what he wanted to hear
obsequious

Use 'obsequious' when describing someone who is excessively obedient or attentive to an extent that it appears servile and ingratiating. It's often used in a negative context.

  • His obsequious behavior towards his superiors was embarrassing to watch
fawning

Use 'fawning' when describing someone who is excessively eager to please or flatter someone else, often to gain favor. This term usually has a negative connotation.

  • The intern was fawning over the boss, trying to get a promotion
oily

Use 'oily' when describing someone who appears excessively flattering or insincerely smooth in their manner or speech. This term also has a negative connotation.

  • The car salesman had an oily charm that made me distrust him immediately

Examples of usage

  • He greeted her with an unctuous smile.
  • She made an unctuous apology for her mistake.
  • The salesman's unctuous manner put off many customers.
  • Her unctuous compliments were clearly insincere.
  • The politician's unctuous speech failed to convince the voters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'unctuous'

The word 'unctuous' comes from the Latin word 'unctus', meaning 'anointed' or 'greased'. Originally, 'unctuous' was used in a positive sense to refer to someone who was smooth, suave, and polished. However, over time, the word has taken on a negative connotation, describing behavior that is excessively smooth or smug, often with an insincere or ingratiating tone.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,609, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.