What does unblinking mean?
Unblinking means showing no sign of blinking, especially when describing a steady or unwavering gaze. The word can describe someone's eyes, expression, or manner: a person may be unblinking because they are concentrating intensely, remaining calm, or refusing to look away. It is also used figuratively to describe a person who does not show fear, hesitation, or embarrassment. In that sense, unblinking suggests composure and determination, although it can sometimes carry the less positive implication of being cold, severe, or unsettling. The related adverb unblinkingly is commonly used to describe how someone maintains their attention or remains composed under pressure. Overall, the word evokes both physical steadiness and mental resolve, making it especially effective in literary descriptions and accounts of tense encounters.
adjectiveShowing no sign of blinking; having a steady, unwavering gaze. By extension, unhesitating, resolute, or unperturbed.
- Not blinking; having a steady, unwavering gaze.
- Figuratively, showing no hesitation, fear, or emotional disturbance.
"She returned his unblinking gaze without a word."
"The witness described the suspect's unblinking stare during the interview."
"Despite the criticism, she remained unblinking and calm."
An unblinking gaze can be a sign of extraordinary calm, close attention, or a refusal to be intimidated.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unblinking come from?
Unblinking is an English formation made from the prefix un-, the verb blink, and the present-participle ending -ing. The addition of un- reverses the meaning of blink, producing the sense of not blinking. The related English noun blinker and the verb's past form blinked belong to the same basic word family.
Related word forms
How unblinking is actually used
The adjective is literary and somewhat figurative in modern usage. It can suggest composure and determination, but in descriptions of a person's stare it may also imply coldness, scrutiny, or menace.
Easily confused with unblinking
Blinking describes the act of closing and opening the eyelids, whereas unblinking describes a steady gaze or a person who remains unshaken.