What does unrifled mean?
Unrifled means calm, composed, and unmoved by excitement, provocation, or disturbance. It is especially used to describe a person who continues to behave steadily in a stressful or emotionally charged situation: a negotiator might remain unrifled while others argue, or a witness might appear unrifled before a difficult question. The word carries a slightly literary and traditional tone, and unruffled is generally more common in modern usage. Unrifled can also have a more literal meaning: a room, drawer, or collection may be described as unrifled if it has not been thoroughly searched or plundered. In the figurative sense, the word suggests emotional control rather than an absence of concern, making it useful for emphasizing steadiness, poise, and resilience under pressure.
adjectiveNot stirred up, agitated, or disturbed; calm and composed. In a more literal sense, not subjected to a thorough search or plunder.
- Not stirred up, agitated, or disturbed; calm and composed.
- Not subjected to a thorough search or plunder.
"She remained unrifled despite the sudden interruption."
"The negotiator remained unrifled despite the insults from both sides."
"The drawer was unrifled when the police arrived."
A person who is unrifled has not been stirred up, even when the situation around them is turbulent.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of unrifled
The word was formed in English by adding the prefix un- to rifle, using the older sense of the verb connected with stirring or agitation. The modern figurative meaning developed from the image of something that has not been stirred up. The formation follows the usual English pattern of un- plus a verb or participle, while the base word rifle itself came into English through French.
Related word forms
How unrifled is actually used
The figurative sense is somewhat literary and formal, though understandable in ordinary English. The more familiar word is unruffled. The literal sense is less common and is usually used of rooms, containers, or belongings that have not been searched or looted.
Easily confused with unrifled
Unruffled is the more common word for calm and composed, whereas unrifled can also mean that a place or container has not been searched or plundered.