pretentious

//prɪˈtɛnʃəs//
C1Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of pretentious

Adjective

pretentiousCanonical form
more pretentiousComparative
most pretentiousSuperlative
1

Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, or sophistication than is actually possessed.

The restaurant had a pretentious atmosphere that made us feel uncomfortable.

2

Making claims or demands to a distinction or merit, especially when unjustified.

His pretentious claims about his achievements annoyed everyone at the meeting.