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); 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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This Week in Words: January 26 - February 1, 2019
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Hidden Figures
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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.
“I was wondering how she would approach it, and she’s done it with such aplomb and wisdom.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026
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
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
Garnacho was the catalyst with a driving run and cross into the six-yard box, where Gusto headed home with aplomb.
From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025
The ninth time Eisman retrieved a ball from some sand trap, or pretended his shot had not splashed into the water, he acted with the same unapologetic aplomb he had demonstrated the first time.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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.
