unruffled

adjective

un·​ruf·​fled ˌən-ˈrə-fəld How to pronounce unruffled (audio)
1
: poised and serene especially in the face of setbacks or confusion
2
: not ruffled : smooth
unruffled water
Choose the Right Synonym for unruffled

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement.

cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

Examples of unruffled in a Sentence

She remained unruffled despite the delays. remained unruffled by the news that stocks were in a free fall
Recent Examples on the Web Every year, on the anniversary of Gina’s vanishing, Colter pays Frank a most unwelcome visit — and this latest one ends with the typically unruffled reward-seeker putting Frank in a chokehold. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 13 Oct. 2024 The more telegenic Vance demonstrated his considerable media experience with his smooth delivery and unruffled manner. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Harris has the audacity to look unruffled by the characterization. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 To onlookers, the 15-year-old appears calm, unruffled; characteristics which would become her hallmark over the next decade or so of competition. Aimee Lewis, CNN, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for unruffled 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unruffled.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of unruffled was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near unruffled

Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unruffled. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

unruffled

adjective
un·​ruf·​fled ˌən-ˈrəf-əld How to pronounce unruffled (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not upset or disturbed
a speaker unruffled by noisy children
2
: not ruffled : smooth
unruffled water

More from Merriam-Webster on unruffled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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