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unsuspicious

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌnsəspˈɪʃəs/

US

  • /ʌnsəspˈɪʃəs/

Description

Imagine walking down a quiet forest path. A sudden noise in the bushes might make you feel uneasy for a moment. But then a small rabbit appears, calm and harmless, and the whole scene feels ordinary again. That is the idea behind unsuspicious.

"Unsuspicious" usually means not causing suspicion or doubt. A person, action, or situation can be called unsuspicious if it seems normal, harmless, and not likely to make anyone worry. The word can also describe a person who is trusting and does not suspect other people easily. Both meanings exist, but in everyday use, the first meaning is usually clearer.

Examples

  1. 1

    Literary tone

    In those unsuspicious days, people in the village still left their doors unlocked.

    • Usage

      unsuspicious is rare and literary; in everyday English, unsuspecting is more common

  2. 2

    Too trusting

    He was too unsuspicious to question why the offer seemed so generous.

  3. 3

    Hidden plan

    She remained unsuspicious of their real plan until it was too late.

    • Pattern

      unsuspicious of + plan/danger

      not expecting it to be dishonest or dangerous

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unsuspiciousadjective