unshakeable

IPA/ʌnˈʃeɪ.kə.bəl/
KK[ənʃˈekəbəl]IPA/ʌnˈʃeɪ.kə.bəl/

unshakeable — adjective

  • unshakeablepositive
  • more unshakeablecomparative
  • most unshakeablesuperlative

1. used to describe a strong feeling such as trust, loyalty, or belief that stays f

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

used to describe a strong feeling such as trust, loyalty, or belief that stays firm and does not become weaker, even when tested by difficult situations.

Example

Devika's unshakeable belief in her team kept everyone motivated through the crisis.

unshakeable belief in + noun phrase

The old teacher had an unshakeable faith that every child could learn and grow.

unshakeable faith + that-clause

Common collocations
  • unshakeable belief
  • unshakeable faith
  • unshakeable trust
  • unshakeable loyalty
  • unshakeable confidence
  • unshakeable commitment
Synonyms
  • firm

    less emphatic; a broader word that can describe both opinions and physical objects

  • steadfast

    more formal and literary; emphasises lasting loyalty over time

  • unwavering

    very close in meaning; emphasises not changing direction or weakening

  • resolute

    focuses on strong determination in purpose or action

Antonyms
  • shaky

    suggests doubt or instability in a belief or situation

  • wavering

    implies hesitation or frequent changes of opinion

  • fragile

    suggests something easily damaged or broken under pressure

Grammar Patterns

unshakeable + noun (attributive)

be + unshakeable (predicative)

Usage Note

Almost always used with abstract nouns describing feelings or personal qualities (belief, faith, trust, loyalty, confidence, commitment). The spelling 'unshakable' (without the 'e') is common in American English.

Common Mistakes

She has an unshakeable chair.
She has an unshakeable belief in justice.
unshakeable is only used with abstract concepts, not physical objects.
His unshakeable decision was to leave.
His unshakeable commitment to the project impressed everyone.
'unshakeable' describes a lasting inner quality, not a single decision or action.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe a quality of being strong and not easily changed, but they differ in scope and tone. 'Firm' is the most general and informal — you can have a firm handshake, a firm decision, or firm beliefs. 'Steadfast' carries a warmer, more literary tone, often implying loyalty to a person or cause over many years. 'Unwavering' is very close to 'unshakeable' in meaning and intensity, focusing on a direction or line that does not bend. 'Resolute' is more about determined action in the face of difficulty — a resolute person makes a decision and sticks to it. For describing a lasting inner quality like trust or faith, 'unshakeable' and 'unwavering' are the strongest choices; 'firm' works but sounds weaker, while 'steadfast' adds a sense of devotion over time.

firm ↗steadfast ↗unwavering ↗resolute ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed in English from the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') added to 'shakeable', which comes from the Old English verb 'sceacan' (to shake or move rapidly). The word has been used since the 1600s to describe things — first physical objects, later feelings and beliefs — that cannot be made to shake or waver.