Vocabulary Ladder · Keeping Composure
Staying calm
Positive words for someone who stays in control when things get difficult.
A2–B1Everyday
calmrelaxed
Everyday and positive.
“She stayed calm during the delay.”
B2Confident
composedsteady
In control of your feelings. Good for appraisals.
“He remained composed through the whole review.”
C1Advanced
poisedlevel-headed
Calm and sensible when things get difficult.
“We need someone level-headed to handle the client.”
C2Expert
unflappableimperturbable
Nothing seems to disturb them. A strong compliment.
“Our project lead stayed unflappable when the system crashed.”
PositiveNeutralNegative
Use both
He was flustered at first, but stayed composed once the questions began.
Levels are a guide, based on how common and formal each word is. Dictionaries sometimes place a word one level higher or lower.