unsmiling
Showing no joy
Unsmiling describes a face or expression that shows no smile—serious, stern, or grim.
It often suggests disapproval, concentration, or simply the absence of warmth: She gave him an unsmiling nod.
An unsmiling photograph captures someone looking solemn rather than cheerful.
Serious and worrying
- solemnSerious and dignified
- soberFree from intoxication
- seriousWeighty and requiring attention
- grimHarsh and foreboding
morose · sullen · glum · melancholy · gloomy · mournful · funereal · subdued
Without visible emotion
- expressionlessShowing no feeling
- blankWithout marks or content
- deadpanExpressionless, especially for humor
- poker-facedShowing no emotion
inscrutable · unreadable · emotionless · stony-faced · sphinx-like · composed · reserved · detached
Extremely harsh or strict
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- forbiddingIntimidatingly stern or hostile
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
imposing · formidable · authoritative · demanding · uncompromising · rigid · unyielding · inflexible
Extreme in degree
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- purposefulDone with intention
- concentratedGathered or intensified
earnest · unwavering · steadfast · fixed · intent · piercing · penetrating · scrutinizing
grave
Serious and worrying
grim · morose · sullen · glum · melancholy · gloomy · mournful · funereal · subdued · heavy
impassive
Without visible emotion
- expressionlessShowing no feeling
- blankWithout marks or content
- deadpanExpressionless, especially for humor
poker-faced · inscrutable · unreadable · emotionless · stony-faced · sphinx-like · composed · reserved · detached · dispassionate
severe
Extremely harsh or strict
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- forbiddingIntimidatingly stern or hostile
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
harsh · imposing · formidable · authoritative · demanding · uncompromising · rigid · unyielding · inflexible · disciplinarian
intense
Extreme in degree
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- purposefulDone with intention
concentrated · earnest · unwavering · steadfast · fixed · intent · piercing · penetrating · scrutinizing · watchful
- humorlessnesshumorlessness, seriousness, deadpan, poker face, stone face
- Poker Facepoker face, deadpan, expressionless, unreadable, masklike