Words / C2

in-SOOS-ee-uh-nt/ɪnˈsuːsiənt/

Insouciant means calmly unworried, sometimes so much so that it looks careless: an insouciant shrug. Casual is everyday; carefree is warmer and less critical. Writers use it for a manner that may charm or irritate. In speech, not bothered or too relaxed is safer; insouciant is a novelistic adjective. Do not confuse it with innocent.

Meaning

Calm and not worried, sometimes in a way that seems careless.

Examples

• “He gave an insouciant shrug.”
• “She was insouciant about the deadline until Friday night.”
• “His insouciant grin did not match the missing files.”

Good to know

Casually unconcerned (can seem careless). Everyday: carefree / not bothered. Literary register.

Near in meaning

carefree

New