unflappable

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English[edit]

WOTD – 29 February 2012

Etymology[edit]

From un- +‎ flap (“to upset, stir”) +‎ -able.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ʌnˈflæpəbəl/
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Adjective[edit]

unflappable (comparative more unflappable, superlative most unflappable)

  1. Remaining composed and level-headed at all times; impossible to fluster; not becoming frustrated or irritated easily. [from 1954]
    Synonyms: collected, cool, even-keeled, imperturbable
    Antonym: flappable
    • 1959, The Economist, volume 190:
      The whole thing looked remarkably like an implacable force meeting an unflappable object.
    • 1978, James D. Margach, The abuse of power: the war between Downing Street and the media from Lloyd George to Callaghan:
      It was for this reason that when Lord Hailsham first described Harold Macmillan as "unflappable'", it became an instant catchword, distancing the incoming Prime Minister from his predecessor

Related terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

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