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); 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

Semenyo's winner silenced a raucous and rowdy crowd with a real poacher's finish, reacting quickest to latch on to Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross and converting with aplomb.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 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

The second half was a scrappy affair until Lynagh's late yellow-card for a deliberate knock-on opened the door for France to finish with aplomb with two tries in the last 10 minutes.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 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

Yes, it was she talking, with her customary aplomb, breaking his heart in the drugstore.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

Related Words

• equanimity
• nonchalance
• tact