What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humorless
Example
He was known for his humorless personality and never laughed at any jokes. [humorless: adjective]
Example
The meeting was humorless and tense, with no one cracking a smile. [humorless: adjective]
unsmiling
Example
She walked into the room with an unsmiling face, looking very serious. [unsmiling: adjective]
Example
The atmosphere in the waiting room was unsmiling, with everyone looking worried. [unsmiling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsmiling is more commonly used than humorless in everyday language. Unsmiling is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while humorless is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humorless and unsmiling?
Both humorless and unsmiling are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings. However, humorless may be perceived as more negative or critical than unsmiling.
