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Unflappable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unflappable

[ʌnˈflæpəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

calm under pressure

Not easily upset or excited, especially in a crisis or difficult situation. Someone who is unflappable remains composed and unruffled even in the face of adversity.

Synonyms

calm, collected, composed, cool-headed, poised.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unflappable

Often used to describe someone who remains calm and focused in highly stressful or chaotic situations.

  • Even in the middle of the crisis, she remained unflappable.
  • He is known for his unflappable demeanor under pressure.
composed

Used to refer to someone who is calm and self-possessed, often in professional or formal situations.

  • She remained composed throughout the meeting, despite the provocations.
  • His composed attitude earned him respect from his colleagues.
calm

General term used to describe someone who is not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.

  • She took a few deep breaths to stay calm during her speech.
  • Despite the confusion, he remained calm and gave clear instructions.
cool-headed

Describes someone who can stay calm and think clearly in difficult or stressful situations.

  • A cool-headed approach is essential in negotiations.
  • She was praised for her cool-headed decision-making during the emergency.
collected

Describes someone who is in control of their emotions and thoughts, typically in challenging situations.

  • He appeared very collected when he delivered the bad news.
  • You need to stay collected during the interview to make a good impression.
poised

Often describes someone who is elegant, dignified, and in control of their emotions, usually in a social or professional setting.

  • She walked onto the stage with a poised grace that captivated the audience.
  • His poised manner made him a natural leader.

Examples of usage

  • He remained unflappable during the entire crisis, providing a sense of calm to those around him.
  • Her unflappable demeanor in the courtroom impressed both the judge and the jury.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who are unflappable often possess strong emotional regulation skills, allowing them to manage stress effectively.
  • Studies show that remaining calm can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.

Pop Culture

  • Characters like James Bond are often portrayed as unflappable, handling chaos with grace and poise.
  • In the world of comedy, some stand-up comedians intentionally cultivate an unflappable persona to deliver punchlines without breaking character.

Education

  • Teachers who are unflappable create a stable environment for students, which can enhance learning and reduce anxiety.
  • In classroom settings, unflappable teachers are often seen as role models, demonstrating how to handle challenges calmly.

History

  • Many historical leaders, such as Winston Churchill during WWII, were celebrated for their unflappable nature in times of crisis.
  • The concept of being unflappable can be traced back to ancient philosophies, such as Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience.

Origin of 'unflappable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'flappable,' derived from 'flap,' which means to move unsteadily or in a nervous way.
  • It emerged in the mid-20th century and was popularized among British speakers to describe a person who remains calm under pressure.

The word 'unflappable' originated in the mid-20th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'flappable,' from 'flap' meaning 'to agitate or disturb.' The term became popular in the context of describing individuals who were able to maintain their composure and calmness in challenging situations, emphasizing their resilience and poise.

See also: flap, flapjack, flapjacks, flapping.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,975, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.