WordGarden.iounperturbed
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnpətˈɜːbd/
US
- /ˌənpərˈtɜrbd/
Meanings
Adjective
not worried, upset, or visibly disturbed
not altered from a baseline state by a disturbance or perturbation
Beyond the definition
Imagine a serene pond: even when pebbles are tossed into it, the water ripples for a moment and then returns to stillness. That's the feeling behind this word. It describes someone who stays calm and composed, not bothered or upset by something that might shake other people. An experienced sailor might stay calm in a little rain, while a nervous passenger starts to worry. In a story, you might use it for a character who stays steady even when everything around them feels chaotic.
To be unperturbed is to remain calm and undisturbed, especially when something difficult, surprising, or annoying happens. It's more than simply not being upset; it suggests a steady inner calm that is not easily shaken. Think of a seasoned detective at a tense crime scene. They understand how serious the moment is, but their manner stays controlled and calm.
The word comes from the Latin "perturbare," meaning to disturb or agitate. The prefix "un-" adds the sense of not being disturbed. It is often used for people who do not show much worry, stress, or alarm on the outside. You might say, "Despite the criticism, she remained unperturbed," meaning the comments did not seem to shake her confidence.
It can also apply to places or situations. A peaceful forest, for example, might be described as unperturbed if it has not been disturbed by human activity. Still, the word is most often used to describe people and their emotional state.
Unlike simply being "calm," which can describe a temporary mood, "unperturbed" often suggests a deeper steadiness. It points to a person who stays settled even when there is pressure, confusion, or trouble around them. So if you meet someone who seems completely unfazed by chaos, this word may fit them very well.
Examples
- 1
Public speaking
She seemed unperturbed by the noise outside and finished her presentation.
- 2
Travel problem
Even after the flight was canceled, he remained unperturbed and started looking for another route.
- 3
Calm reaction
The children were splashing water everywhere, but the cat sat on the wall, completely unperturbed.
- 4
Market reaction
Investors appeared largely unperturbed by the announcement, and the stock price barely moved.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- remain unperturbed
- seem unperturbed
- unperturbed by criticism
- unperturbed by the news
Word family
Explore
- equanimity
- self-possession
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unperturbedadjective