unceremonious
|un-ce-re-mon-ious|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌnsəˈrɛməniəs/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌnsəˈrɛmənɪəs/
not formal; abrupt
Etymology
'unceremonious' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by the negative prefix 'un-' + the adjective 'ceremonious', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'ceremonious' is ultimately from Latin 'ceremonia' meaning 'a religious rite' or 'formal observance'.
'ceremonious' comes from Latin 'ceremonia' via Old French/Latin influence into Middle English; the adjective 'unceremonious' was formed in English by adding the negative 'un-' to 'ceremonious' in the Early Modern English period and developed into the modern word 'unceremonious'.
Initially formed to mean 'not ceremonious' (i.e., lacking ceremony or formality); over time it acquired senses emphasizing abruptness or lack of courtesy, giving the modern meanings 'informal/abrupt' and 'discourteous'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
done without ceremony or formalities; abrupt or informal in manner.
He made an unceremonious exit from the meeting.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
lacking proper respect or courtesy; rude or discourteous.
Their dismissal of the proposal was unceremonious.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/18 22:06
