unflappable

adjective

un·​flap·​pa·​ble ˌən-ˈfla-pə-bəl How to pronounce unflappable (audio)
: marked by assurance and self-control
unflappability noun
unflappably adverb

Examples of unflappable in a Sentence

He has a reputation for being unflappable. the unflappable teacher never even blinked when the wall map came crashing down
Recent Examples on the Web Your unflappable efforts might inspire your brother to finally relax and do the same. Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 4 Mar. 2024 Her housekeeper and nanny Agnes (Andrea Riseborough) is initially unflappable, but quickly grows concerned as the caretaker of Vernham’s epileptic son. Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Mar. 2024 Only the unflappable and bulletproof Robert Downey Jr. deigned to mention the changes to the makeup of the people who voted on the awards. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024 Adam is a seemingly unflappable American Intelligence officer and Rao is an ex-MI6 agent, an addict and rudderless pleasure hound, with the uncanny ability to discern the truth of things—about everyone and everything other than Adam. Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 8 Dec. 2023 The niche subspecialty demands delicate hands, unflappable focus, and a nuanced understanding of developmental biology. Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 Brewer is in her early seventies, with blond hair graying at the roots and the unflappable bearing of a lifelong city dweller. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 One thing people have noticed about Jannik Sinner is how unflappable he's been on his run to the Australian Open final. John Pye, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024 As the daughter of the wisdom goddess Athena, Annabeth is usually unflappable. Christian Holub, EW.com, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unflappable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

un- entry 1 + flap entry 1 (state of excitement) + -able

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unflappable was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near unflappable

Cite this Entry

“Unflappable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unflappable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unflappable

adjective
un·​flap·​pa·​ble ˌən-ˈflap-ə-bəl How to pronounce unflappable (audio)
: not easily upset or panicked : unusually calm

More from Merriam-Webster on unflappable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!