Skip to main content

unctuousexcessively flattering or ingratiating; oily

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌŋktʃuəs/

Korean meaning: 지나치게 아첨하는, 기름기 많은

Korean pronunciation: **엉크**추어스

Example Sentences

  • His unctuous apology was as fake as a three-dollar bill.
  • The salesman's unctuous praise of my 'excellent taste' fooled no one.
  • The unctuous waiter hovered around our table, hoping for a large tip.

unctuous

ADJECTIVE

//ˈʌŋktʃuəs//

excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily

unctuous concept
💡 Concept

An employee's unctuous behavior makes his boss visibly uncomfortable

unctuous rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

In sumptuous settings, the presumptuous man's unctuous flattery flows.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈʌŋktʃuəs/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈʌŋktʃuəs/

🌳Etymology

Rootunct
Suffix--uous

Origin

From Latin 'unctuous' meaning 'oily' or 'greasy,' derived from 'ungere' meaning 'to anoint' or 'to oil.' The word entered English in the 14th century to describe both literal oiliness and figuratively, an insincerely earnest or flattering manner.

🎵Rhyme

sumptuouspresumptuous
sumptuous
presumptuous

🔗Collocations

unctuous manner
unctuous smile
unctuous flattery
unctuous politician
unctuous voice

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

His unctuous apology was as fake as a three-dollar bill.

😄 Fun example

The salesman's unctuous praise of my 'excellent taste' fooled no one.

The unctuous waiter hovered around our table, hoping for a large tip.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

obsequioussycophanticfawningservileoily

Antonyms

sinceregenuinefrank

Related

flatterysycophantingratiatingoleaginous

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.