Uncommunicative
mediumNegative toneun-kuh-MYOO-nih-kay-tiv
adjective
Definition
Unwilling to talk or give out information
Memory hook
UN-COMMUNICATIVE: refusing to COMMUNICATE — tight-lipped and secretive.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The uncommunicative witness frustrated investigators.”
“He became uncommunicative after the argument.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ witness frustrated investigators.”
Show answer
uncommunicative
Categories
GRE Tip
Uncommunicative is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "taciturn" or "reticent" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "loquacious".
Related GRE Words
taciturn
Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
reserved
Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; reticent
reticent
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
demure
Reserved, modest, and shy; affectedly modest
curt
Rudely brief or abrupt in speech or manner
terse
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt
Master uncommunicative and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.