pretentious /pɹɪˈtɛn.ʃəs/ adjective3 •Motivated by an inappropriate, excessive, or unjustified desire to impress others.Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable. •Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics. •(no longer used) Marked by pretense (not necessarily false pretense); intent upon success; ambitious. formsmore pretentious · most pretentious