What does unshaken mean?
Unshaken is an adjective meaning firm and unwavering in belief, resolve, or emotional composure. It also describes something that has not been moved by physical shaking or disturbance. In modern usage, the figurative sense dominates: an unshaken person remains calm under pressure, while an unshaken decision or commitment withstands doubt and criticism. The word often carries a formal, elevated tone, especially in descriptions of character, principles, and institutions. Compared with steady, unshaken suggests resistance to a serious shock or challenge, not merely the absence of movement. It can also describe physical objects, such as a structure or vessel, but such uses are less frequent in everyday speech. Because it combines the negative prefix un- with the past participle shaken, the word gives a vivid contrast between being affected by motion or disturbance and remaining intact. This makes it useful in writing about steadiness under pressure as well as in literal descriptions of objects that have withstood a blow.
adjectiveNot shaken or disturbed; firm and unwavering in belief, determination, or composure.
- Firm and unwavering in belief, resolve, principles, or emotional composure.
- Not moved or disturbed by physical shaking or impact.
"Despite the sudden criticism, she remained unshaken in her conviction."
"His resolve remained unshaken even when the evidence began to point elsewhere."
"The old bridge was still standing, apparently unshaken by the earthquake."
Unshaken captures the rare strength to remain completely steady when everything around you is moving.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unshaken come from?
Unshaken is an English formation combining the prefix un-, meaning “not,” with shaken, the past participle of shake. The base verb shake is an old English word, and related forms such as shaker and shaky preserve the same verbal root; the adjective literally means “not shaken.”
How unshaken is actually used
The word is formally neutral but often somewhat elevated. It is commonly used of people, convictions, commitments, and institutions, and its figurative sense usually dominates. It conveys steadiness under pressure or challenge, rather than simply the absence of movement.