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unimposing

unimposing

1 6.1
Not attracting attention because it looks plain or simple
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
translation icon : modesto
  • Childlike and unimposing in appearance, Henry VI suffered insanity in 1453-55 and may never have fully recovered his mental health.
  • an unimposing guy
  • small and unimposing

Examples

  • Today, visitors to the museum walk along a parking lot—in the path of cars—to an entrance that is so small and unimposing that the museum installed a "visitor entrance" sign to direct stray visitors.

    Academic text (1999)
  • PHOTO (COLOR): The unimposing Kituwha Mound, 170 feet in diameter and only five feet high, has significance for the Cherokee Nation that belies its size.

    Academic text (2002)
  • They disappear into an unimposing social club.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • The unimposing little fella nearest to the camera may not look like a great director, but don't let that fool you.

  • A notably unimposing guy.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • These include fairly unimposing farms, grazing grounds and goat herding stations which help feed the dwarven population.

  • Illuminated photographs on the walls showed vast green pastures, placid lakes, and unimposing mountains.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Jarrel was an unimposing five-foot-eleven, one-hundred-sixty-pound man, with boyish brown hair and brown eyes hidden behind standard-issue aluminum-framed aviator's spectacles.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The unimposing building blends in with the surrounding houses, making it easy to overlook.

  • Despite his unimposing manner, he offered valuable insights during the meeting.

Synonyms

bland
vsunimposing
31 2.8

A thing that has no strong character and few interesting features

refers to modest low-key presence rather than simply dull character
lackluster
vsunimposing
  • US
30 6.1

Dull and showing little energy

highlights modest unremarkable appearance rather than low energy or spirit
nondescript
vsunimposing
17 7.1

Not having special or interesting features so it does not stand out

refers to modest simplicity rather than only absence of distinguishing traits
inconspicuous
vsunimposing
15 6.9

Not easy to see or notice

focuses on modest unnoticeable appearance rather than general lack of impressiveness
unimpressive
vsunimposing
9 3.9

Not very good or likely to attract attention

means modest and unremarkable rather than strongly attention grabbing
unadorned
vsunimposing
6 5.1

Plain in appearance with no decoration

focuses on modest unremarkable effect rather than only being undecorated
undistinguished
vsunimposing
5 5.4

A person or thing that has no special quality

leans toward modest quiet presence rather than simply lacking uniqueness
unspectacular
vsunimposing
3 4.1

Ordinary and not very impressive

expresses a modest unremarkable quality rather than dramatic impact
unprepossessing
vsunimposing
1 8.2

Not attractive or impressive to look at

signals modest unremarkable look without necessarily implying strong dislike
unostentatious
vsunimposing
1 7.8

Simple and modest in style and not trying to attract attention

is a general unremarkable presence rather than specifically chosen restraint
unflashy
vsunimposing
1 4.4

Simple in style and not trying to attract attention

is a broader unremarkable look rather than only lacking flash
unembellished
vsunimposing
1 5.8

Plain and simple in appearance without extra decoration

conveys modest unremarkable presence rather than only missing ornamentation
unornamented
vsunimposing
6.7

Plain and not decorated, like a simple room or building

renders a modest unremarkable impression rather than purely undecorated form
unfancy
vsunimposing
3.4

Plain and simple, not expensive or decorated

points to modest unremarkable appearance rather than simply low cost
unfancied
vsunimposing
5.5

Has a plain, simple style and is not expensive

emphasizes modest unremarkable effect rather than material or price factors

Antonyms

588 2.8

Unusual and easy to notice because it is different or surprising

13 5.6

Having a large, impressive appearance that makes people notice and respect it

How Impressive

striking
56 3.8
impressive
584 3.4
noticeable
65 3.2
unimposing
1 6.1

Surface Forms

unimposing positive
unimposinger comparative
unimposest superlative

Morphology

unimposing = imposing (transparent) = un + impose + ing

The meaning is clearly derived from 'imposing' with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation.

Etymology

Unimposing comes from the prefix un- meaning 'not' and imposing, which is related to the familiar verb impose and gives the idea of 'making a strong appearance' or 'standing out'. So unimposing describes someone or something that does not 'stand out' and is modest or plain.