unruffled

adjective

un·​ruf·​fled ˌən-ˈrə-fəld 

1

: poised and serene especially in the face of setbacks or confusion

2

: not ruffled : smooth

unruffled water

Synonyms

• calm
• serene
• peaceful
• composed
• collected
• tranquil
• placid

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

The capital markets haven’t said no to AI yet, and unruffled investors note that debt-light Silicon Valley giants have plenty of financial breathing room. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Wintour was unruffled after being heckled by PETA, during a 2009 talk at the 92Y in New York. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025

Given the fate that likely awaits him (his crimes will be held up to the light for the world to see; his prosecutors will seek the death penalty), Göring exudes a very unruffled sense of well-being. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025

Newsom seems unruffled by the blowback. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for unruffled

• muffled
• ruffled
• shuffled

Kids Definition

unruffled

adjective

un·​ruf·​fled ˌən-ˈrəf-əld 

ˈən-

1

: not upset or disturbed

a speaker unruffled by noisy children

2

: not ruffled : smooth

unruffled water