unctuous

UK: /ˈʌŋktʃʊəs/ US: /ˈʌŋktʃuəs/ ,(ungk′cho̅o̅ əs)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

unc•tu•ous /ˈʌŋktʃuəs/   adj. 

1. showing a false or pretended concern or interest;
   insincerely earnest:
   gave the new boss an unctuous greeting.

unc•tu•ous•ly, adv. 
unc•tu•ous•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

unc•tu•ous  (ungk′cho̅o̅ əs), adj. 

1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment;
   oily;
   greasy.
3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

• Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent. to Latin ūnctu(s) act of anointing (ung(uere) to smear, anoint + -tus suffix of verb, verbal action) + -ōsus -ous
• Middle English 1350–1400

unc′tu•ous•ly, adv. 
unc′tu•ous•ness, unc•tu•os•i•ty  (ungk′cho̅o̅ os′i tē), n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

unctuous / ˈʌŋktjʊəs/ adjective

1. slippery or greasy
2. affecting an oily charm

Etymology: 14th Century: from Medieval Latin unctuōsus, from Latin unctum ointment, from ungere to anoint

unctuosity / ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ/, ˈunctuousness noun

ˈunctuously adverb