aplomb

American  

[uh-plom, uh-pluhm] / əˈplɒm, əˈplʌm /

noun

1. imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.

   Synonyms:

   imperturbability, equanimity, composure

   Antonyms:

   uncertainty, doubt, discomposure, confusion

2. the perpendicular, or vertical, position.

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aplomb British  

/ əˈplɒm /

noun

1. equanimity, self-confidence, or self-possession

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Etymology

Origin of aplomb

First recorded in 1820–30; from French à plomb “according to the plummet” (straight up and down, vertical position); cf. plumb ( def. )

Explanation

Aplomb is the ultimate test for cool: grace under pressure. Use aplomb to show great restraint under even the most trying circumstances. In retail, it's always a good idea to handle the angry customers with aplomb. Angry at the long lines at the grocery store? Irritated because the driver ahead cut you off? Take a deep breath, and approach life's messes with aplomb. When you think of aplomb, think cool, calm and collected. Not frazzled, furious, and fiery. Aplomb comes from the French word meaning "perpendicularity," from the phrase à plomb for "poised upright, balanced."

Example Sentences

And Kelly’s Q-Tip, in the production’s most physically demanding performance, straddles the human-animal divide with theatrical aplomb.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

It’s a powerful story, to say the least, and Neville handles it in “Man on the Run” with great aplomb.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

After successfully badgering his dad to take him to a local club to play on full-size tables at the age of eight, the young Hunter made the leap from table top snooker with aplomb.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

After he joined Sanders as director of research, however, he felt less pressure and regained his aplomb.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

And for the first time Powell’s artificial aplomb was shaken and his hands shot forward for the map.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Related Words

• equanimity
• nonchalance
• tact