unsmiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsmiling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not smiling, often conveying a serious or stern demeanor. Example: "Despite the cheerful atmosphere, she remained unsmiling throughout the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AN OLYMPIC alpine skier is poised at the starting gate, tense, focussed and unsmiling.

The Economist

The same was true of their first million-seller, "Proud Mary" (1971), where the gyrating Tina stole the show from Ike, unsmiling behind her in his high fedora and dark glasses.

The Economist

Think about it for a moment: stand even an unusually beautiful model, wearing unusually beautiful clothes, straight on in front of a camera, arms down, unsmiling.

The Economist

In this casual setting, the girls strike self-consciously formal poses, staring directly at the camera, unsmiling.

The New Yorker

A rousing show at the Drawing Center rescues Morton from obscurity in the shadows of unsmiling higher powers: post-minimalism, which she embraced and advanced with heretical insouciance, and feminism, which freed her without politicizing her temperament.

The New Yorker

They stared unsmiling at us as we bent over Francescon and spoke his name.

The New Yorker

A rousing show at the Drawing Center rescues her from obscurity in the shadows of unsmiling higher powers: post-minimalism, which she embraced and advanced with heretical insouciance, and feminism, which freed her without politicizing her temperament.

The New Yorker

Unsmiling security screeners in Charlotte confiscated umbrellas from the sodden delegates by the hundreds.

The Economist

Unsmiling and austere, with a reputation for dogmatism, she makes little effort to please.

The Economist

In the tunnel, the New Zealanders looked like the "unsmiling giants" of legend, unblinking in their focus.

Independent

Unsmiling policemen subject passports and luggage to minute examination.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsmiling" to subtly convey a character's mood or intention, particularly when a smile would be expected or out of place. For example, in news reporting, "unsmiling" can indicate the subject's discomfort or disapproval without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "unsmiling" as a catch-all term for negative emotions. Consider whether terms like "disappointed", "wary", or "grim" might more accurately capture the character's state. The word "unsmiling" primarily describes an expression, not a feeling.

Linguistic Context

The word "unsmiling" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that is not smiling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid adjective. The examples provided show it describing people's faces, demeanors, and even abstract concepts like "higher powers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unsmiling" is a versatile term used to describe the absence of a smile, often implying seriousness, sternness, or a lack of joy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its prevalence in News & Media highlights its function in objective reporting and character portrayal. While seemingly straightforward, being mindful to avoid it as a catch-all for negative emotions is recommended. Alternatives such as "serious-faced", "grim-faced", and "expressionless" can offer more nuanced descriptions. Overall, "unsmiling" is a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey a specific mood or impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a smile

Focuses on the absence of a smile rather than an inherent quality.

lacking a smile

States explicitly the absence of a smiling expression.

serious-faced

Highlights the seriousness conveyed through the face.

grim-faced

Emphasizes a stern or forbidding facial expression.

expressionless

Indicates a lack of any discernible emotion in the face.

solemn

Conveys a sense of gravity and seriousness in demeanor.

austere

Suggests a stern and forbidding appearance.

stern-looking

Directly describes a stern visual impression.

stone-faced

Implies an impassive and unyielding expression.

somber

Describes a gloomy or serious mood reflected in the appearance.

FAQs

What does "unsmiling" mean?

"Unsmiling" means not smiling; having a serious or grave expression.

How can I use "unsmiling" in a sentence?

You can use "unsmiling" to describe someone's expression, for example: "The "unsmiling guard" watched the crowd".

What are some synonyms for "unsmiling"?

Alternatives to "unsmiling" include "serious-faced", "grim-faced", or "expressionless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use the word "unsmiling"?

Yes, "unsmiling" is a grammatically correct adjective.