unadventurous

Unadventurous is an adjective that describes a reluctance or aversion to risk, novelty, or excitement in behavior, choices, or tastes. It implies a preference for the familiar, predictable, and conventional over new or daring options. The term is formed with the negative prefix un- attached to adventurous, which derives from the Old French aventure and Latin adventura, though in modern English it simply means lacking in adventurous qualities.

In usage, unadventurous can describe people, activities, or settings. A person might be called unadventurous if they prefer routine, cautious decisions, and tried-and-true methods. A restaurant or itinerary may be labeled unadventurous if it offers conventional dishes or a safe, non-experimental travel plan. The word often carries a mildly critical tone, suggesting a lack of imagination or willingness to take risks, but it can also be neutral or descriptive, depending on context.

Synonyms include cautious, conservative, risk-averse, tame, and conventional. Antonyms include adventurous, daring, intrepid, and bold. Related expressions include play it safe, risk-averse, and not seeking novelty. The term is widely understood in both British and American English and can apply to individuals, groups, or attributes such as taste, planning style, or life philosophy.