Word
unmoved
Phoneticsun·moved, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈmuvd/
UK/ʌnmˈuːvd/
Definition
adj. not feeling touched or changed by something emotional, and not changing your decision because of it.
adj. remaining emotionally unaffected or firm in decision despite persuasion, pity, or moving circumstances. Extends to remaining in an original physical position.
Examples
“She stays unmoved by the sad movie.”
“The manager remains unmoved by their complaints and refuses to change the schedule.”
“Unmoved by tributes that left the audience in tears, the veteran critic maintains that sentiment alone cannot redeem a poorly structured narrative.”
Examples
simple
“She stays unmoved by the sad movie.”
contextual
“The manager remains unmoved by their complaints and refuses to change the schedule.”
complex
“Unmoved by tributes that left the audience in tears, the veteran critic maintains that sentiment alone cannot redeem a poorly structured narrative.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unmoved” in context.
Verb
01. leave unmoved
“The film's sentimental ending left most critics unmoved.”
verb + adj
02. remain unmoved
“Despite the public outcry, the government remains unmoved on its policy.”
verb + adj
03. unmoved by
“He appeared completely unmoved by the beauty of the landscape.”
adj + prep
04. unmoved to
“The witness was unmoved to change her original statement.”
adj + prep
Adjective
05. entirely unmoved
“The jury remained entirely unmoved by the defendant's tears.”
adv + adj
06. seemingly unmoved
“He stood there, seemingly unmoved by the tragic news.”
adv + adj
07. strangely unmoved
“She was strangely unmoved by his emotional plea for forgiveness.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. unmoved spectator
“He watched the chaos unfold like an unmoved spectator.”
adj + noun
09. appear totally unmoved by
“The suspect appeared totally unmoved by the evidence presented.”
10. leave someone cold and unmoved
“The abstract performance left the audience cold and unmoved.”
11. remain unmoved by threats
“The director remained unmoved by threats of a staff strike.”
Usage
Typically used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'remain' or 'stay'; often followed by 'by' plus the ineffective appeal.
Real-World Examples
“Literally and figuratively, the judges have remained unmoved.” “The rare woman in Washington challenged the president effectively and directly to his face, unmoved by his bullying tactics and unwilling to give him the upper hand.” “Despite a final meeting between Mr. Hegseth and General Sims, the Secretary remained unmoved.” “Crow, in my experience, was simply unmoved by the views of the political and media establishment.” Etymology
From un- + moved.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unmoved