untroubled

untroubled — adjective

1. not feeling worried, upset, or affected by something that would normally cause s

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

not feeling worried, upset, or affected by something that would normally cause stress or concern.

Example

Gabriela remained untroubled by the criticism from her coworkers.

pattern: untroubled by + [source of concern]

Ritu felt completely untroubled about her decision to switch careers.

pattern: untroubled about + [decision/issue]

Common collocations
  • remain untroubled
  • untroubled by
  • untroubled about
  • untroubled through
Synonyms
  • unworried

    more informal, common in everyday speech

  • carefree

    suggests a happier, lighter state; implies freedom from any responsibilities

  • unconcerned

    can carry a negative tone of not caring enough

Antonyms
  • troubled

    direct opposite; feeling worried or upset

  • disturbed

    stronger, implies being mentally affected or unsettled

Usage Note

Commonly followed by 'by' (untroubled by + noun) or 'about' (untroubled about + noun). The subject is typically a person or a living creature.

Common Mistakes

He was untroubled about the exam results when he should have been worried.
He was unconcerned about the exam results when he should have been worried.
'untroubled' is neutral or positive; it sounds odd when the speaker wants to express disapproval of the person's attitude.

2. calm, peaceful, and free from any worries, fears, or doubts — used to describe a

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

calm, peaceful, and free from any worries, fears, or doubts — used to describe a person's state of mind or the appearance of a scene or place.

Example

The surface of the lake was untroubled, reflecting the mountains like a perfect mirror.

collocation: untroubled + [body of water]

Camille had an untroubled expression on her face during the long flight.

collocation: untroubled expression

Common collocations
  • untroubled sleep
  • untroubled expression
  • untroubled surface
  • untroubled sea
  • untroubled gaze
  • untroubled dreams
Synonyms
  • serene

    similar register; often used for landscapes and faces

  • tranquil

    suggests a stillness and quietness, often of a place

  • placid

    focus on the smooth, undisturbed surface of water or a calm temperament

Antonyms
  • troubled

    direct opposite; full of worries or doubts

  • agitated

    restless or disturbed, opposite of peaceful calm

  • anxious

    feeling worried or nervous

Usage Note

More common in literary or descriptive writing than in everyday conversation. Often describes natural scenes (a lake, the sea, the sky) or a person's facial expression.

Common Mistakes

The baby was untroubled.' (when simply meaning she was not crying)
The baby was calm and content.
'untroubled' is too literary for a simple everyday observation about a baby.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four describe a state of calmness, but they differ in register and typical use. 'Untroubled' is the most neutral of the four — it simply means free from disturbance or worry. 'Serene' carries a more elevated, almost spiritual sense of clarity and composure; it is often used for someone's expression or a beautiful landscape ('a serene smile'). 'Tranquil' emphasizes stillness and quietness, especially of a place ('a tranquil village'). 'Placid' is narrower: it mainly describes the smooth, unrippled surface of water ('a placid lake') or a person's temperament ('a placid dog'). For a general description of inner calm, 'untroubled' fits best; for describing a peaceful natural scene, 'tranquil' or 'serene' may sound more natural to a native speaker.

untroubled ↗serenetranquilplacid

Common collocations

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Formed in English by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to the adjective 'troubled', which comes from Old French 'troubler' (to disturb or stir up), ultimately from Latin 'turbulare' (to disturb, throw into disorder), related to 'turba' (turmoil, crowd). The sense of inner peace and outward calm developed in Middle English.