aplomb
Americannoun
-
imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.
- Synonyms:
- imperturbability, equanimity, composure
- Antonyms:
- uncertainty, doubt, discomposure, confusion
-
the perpendicular, or vertical, position.
noun
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."
Vocabulary lists containing aplomb
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Sione Tuipulotu flung a long pass out to Ritchie, standing free on the left wing, and the blindside scored with aplomb.
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026
This is a tricky and intellectually demanding task, and she does it with aplomb.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
If you can condition yourself to embrace that fact, you can profit from calamity and good fortune with equal aplomb.
From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025
With magnificent aplomb Fred nodded to Father, the policeman, and me.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
