Stoicism/ˈstəʊɪsɪzəm/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Calmness Use 'stoicism' to describe someone's calm, unemotional reaction to adversity. Despite the criticism, she responded with stoicism. Pro Tip 2/3Not Unfeeling 'Stoicism' doesn't mean a person doesn't have emotions, but that they control their expression. He showed stoicism during the breakup, but he was sad. Pro Tip 3/3Admired Quality 'Stoicism' is often seen as a positive trait in difficult situations. Her stoicism during the disaster earned her respect.