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
• collected
• composed
• cool
• coolheaded
• equal
• level
• limpid
• peaceful
• placid
• possessed
• recollected
• sedate
• self-composed
• self-possessed
• serene
• smooth
• together
• tranquil
• undisturbed
• unperturbed
• unshaken
• untroubled
• unworried

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 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

The tradition of wearing white at Wimbledon also began during this era in 1890, primarily because white garments were seen as a way to avoid showing perspiration, a crucial consideration in the social dynamics of the time where women were expected to appear composed and unruffled. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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