unflappable

USAGE SUMMARY

"unflappable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is not easily perturbed or disconcerted; someone who remains calm in difficult situations. For example, "I admire his unflappable composure during the tense meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous, too, not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq".

The Guardian

She was as good as they came: unflappable, caring, and experienced in dealing with high-octane egos.

The Guardian

As columnist, comment editor and news editor, he was "popular, personable, unflappable".

The Guardian

Sexton missed a shot at goal, kicked a restart out on the full, knocked on and, for an unflappable general, on occasions flapped.

The Guardian - Sport

Their unflappable style is an example to us all – male or female.

The Guardian

Shipman's victims Stymied in Ulster Edging away William the unflappable Taking the Michael Scotland's new politics Tales from Telford Harsh truths ReprintsTo Bagehot's mind, a third magnificent thing about the Scottish Parliament is its parochialism.

The Economist

But the unflappable Mr Florence invited Mr Clinton and Sir Paul McCartney, a pop star, to show up, and the festival has "never been broke since then".

The Economist

Shipman's victims Stymied in Ulster Edging away William the unflappable Taking the Michael Scotland's new politics Tales from Telford Harsh truths Reprints Related items The Tory leader: William the unflappableFeb 3rd 2000In the past, Mr Blair has let it be known that he would regard it as an "abdication of responsibility" endlessly to defer the question of British membership of the euro.

The Economist

Whereas Mr Streiff would take umbrage at any perceived interference from the family-dominated supervisory board, the unflappable Mr Varin is tactfully enthusiastic about working with the Peugeots who, he says, bring with them a strong set of values, like Mr Tata.

The Economist

Shipman's victims Stymied in Ulster Edging away William the unflappable Taking the Michael Scotland's new politics Tales from Telford Harsh truths ReprintsBut he insists that he is no "anti-European".

The Economist

Two things leap to mind: the Tigris flows through Baghdad; hubris flows through Washington.David UngerTorontoSIR – I too shall miss the daily briefings of Iraq's unflappable information minister, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf ("The Scheherazade of Baghdad", April 12th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a leader or someone in a high-pressure role, using "unflappable" can highlight their ability to handle stress effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "unflappable" to describe someone who is merely calm; it implies a deeper resilience and ability to maintain composure in the face of significant challenges, not just everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

Unflappable" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns (usually people) to describe their ability to remain calm and composed. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with standard grammatical function, showcasing it in sentences describing politicians or professionals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unflappable" is an adjective used to describe someone who remains calm and composed in stressful situations. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically correct term with a wide range of applications, appearing frequently in news and media. It implies a deeper resilience and ability to handle pressure, making it suitable for describing leaders or individuals in high-pressure roles. Synonyms include "composed", "level-headed", and "imperturbable", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "unflappable", ensure it accurately reflects the degree of calmness and resilience you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

composed

Focuses on maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, similar to "unflappable" but less specific about external pressures.

calm under pressure

Highlights the ability to remain calm specifically when facing stressful situations, which is a key aspect of being "unflappable".

level-headed

Emphasizes clear thinking and good judgment, especially in challenging situations, overlapping with the meaning of "unflappable".

imperturbable

Suggests an inability to be upset or agitated, which is a formal synonym for "unflappable".

even-tempered

Describes someone with a consistent and calm disposition, related to being "unflappable" but emphasizes emotional consistency.

self-possessed

Indicates confidence and control of one's emotions and behavior, sharing the aspect of composure with "unflappable".

coolheaded

Highlights the ability to remain calm and rational in stressful situations, similar to "unflappable" but focuses on rationality.

unexcitable

Focuses on the absence of excitement or agitation, related to being "unflappable" but emphasizes a lack of emotional response.

poised

Suggests a graceful and controlled demeanor, particularly in challenging situations, sharing the aspect of composure with "unflappable".

collected

Implies a state of being calm and in control of oneself, similar to "unflappable" but less emphatic about dealing with adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "unflappable" in a sentence?

You can use "unflappable" to describe someone who remains calm and composed even in stressful situations. For example, "The negotiator remained "unflappable" throughout the tense discussions".

What are some synonyms for "unflappable"?

Synonyms for "unflappable" include "composed", "level-headed", and "imperturbable". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of calmness under pressure.

Is it appropriate to use "unflappable" in formal writing?

Yes, "unflappable" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly technical, it effectively conveys a sense of composure and resilience that is valued in professional and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "unflappable" and "calm"?

"Unflappable" implies a more profound sense of composure and resilience in the face of significant challenges, whereas "calm" simply suggests a state of peace or tranquility. Someone who is "calm" might not necessarily be able to maintain that state under pressure, while an "unflappable" person can.