unsmiling

unsmiling — adjective

1. showing no smile on one's face, especially in a way that makes a person appear s

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

showing no smile on one's face, especially in a way that makes a person appear serious, strict, or unfriendly to others around them.

Example

Putri's unsmiling face made the new students think she was annoyed with them.

attributive: unsmiling + face / noun

The judge remained unsmiling as she listened to the witness's testimony.

predicative: remain + unsmiling + as-clause

Common collocations
  • unsmiling face
  • unsmiling expression
  • unsmiling features
  • remain unsmiling
  • give an unsmiling nod
  • unsmiling officer / guard / judge
Synonyms
  • stern

    Emphasises a strict or severe character rather than just a missing smile; common in descriptions of authority figures.

  • grim

    Carries a darker tone of unhappiness, worry, or disapproval; suggests the person is facing something unpleasant.

  • serious

    A broader, more neutral term focusing on mindset rather than facial expression alone.

  • deadpan

    Describes a deliberately blank, emotionless expression, often used for comedic effect or in acting.

Antonyms
  • smiling

    The direct opposite — showing a smile.

  • cheerful

    Describes both expression and mood; implies warmth and friendliness.

  • beaming

    Suggests a wide, bright smile; much stronger and more positive than merely 'smiling'.

Grammar Patterns

be + unsmiling

unsmiling + noun

Usage Note

Frequently used in formal or professional contexts — such as courtrooms, security checkpoints, or official meetings — where the absence of a smile signals seriousness, strictness, or disapproval. Unlike 'happy' or 'cheerful', which describe internal feelings, 'unsmiling' focuses on observable facial expression.

Common Mistakes

He was unsmiling at the comedy show.
He remained unsmiling throughout the serious discussion.
Unsmiling describes a lack of smile rooted in seriousness or formality, not a temporary reaction to entertainment.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All five words describe a person who is not showing a smile, but the shade of meaning differs. 'Unsmiling' is the most literal and neutral — it simply says the person is not smiling, without explaining why. 'Stern' implies the person is serious about enforcing rules or standards, often used for teachers, parents, or judges. 'Grim' suggests a darker emotional state — the person looks troubled or is bracing for bad news. 'Serious' is the broadest term, covering both facial expression and overall attitude, with no negative tone. 'Deadpan' is specific: it refers to a deliberately blank expression, often while telling a joke or acting. For everyday use, 'unsmiling' fits situations where a person's lack of a smile stands out as unusual or noteworthy, such as a security guard who never cracks a smile.

unsmiling ↗stern ↗grim ↗serious ↗deadpan

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • remain unsmiling
  • keep an unsmiling face

Prepositions

  • with an unsmiling face
  • in an unsmiling tone

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to the present participle 'smiling', which comes from Old English 'smilende'. The word has been recorded in English since the early 1800s, originally used to describe a facial expression lacking any sign of happiness or warmth.