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

Nearly a hundred shiny black calves are frolicking in the pastures, including twin bulls (birthweight of 72 pounds each) whose mother is completely unruffled by this unusual occurrence and its maternal responsibilities. —Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025

Well, Piastri faced everything Norris encountered in his fights with Verstappen in 2024 and came out on top and unruffled. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

In a situation that would rattle almost anyone on their first day at a new job, Dr. Mel remains as unruffled as her ponytail braid and still doesn’t have a hair out of place at hour 12 of the shift. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2025

Liverpool’s second half comeback against Southampton left the team jubilant but not unruffled given the first-half problems. —James Nalton, Forbes, 8 Mar. 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