unsmiling

unsmiling — adjective

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

1.形容詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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.

反義詞
  • 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'.

文法句型

be + unsmiling

unsmiling + noun

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.