Expressionless

Expressionless is an adjective used to describe a face or demeanor that shows little or no visible emotion. A person described as expressionless may present a neutral, unreadable, or masklike countenance, making it difficult for others to infer their internal feelings. The term can refer to facial appearance as well as to a style of presentation, such as deadpan performance, where emotion is withheld.

In psychology and psychiatry, expressionlessness is related to flat or blunted affect, which is a reduced ability to express emotions through the face, voice, or gestures. This can occur in various conditions, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, neurological illnesses, autism spectrum disorders, or as a side effect of medications or substance use. An expressionless appearance is not itself a diagnosis but may be a symptom within broader clinical contexts.

In social interaction, an expressionless face can affect communication by obscuring emotional cues, potentially leading to misinterpretations of warmth, interest, or concern. Cultural norms also influence how expressionless behavior is perceived; in some contexts, restraint may be valued, while in others it may be read as coldness or disengagement.

In arts and media, expressionlessness is often used for dramatic effect. Statues, masks, and certain acting styles employ a lack of overt emotion to convey mystery, menace, or detachment. The term also appears in discussions of performance, where deadpan delivery maintains an expressionless exterior while conveying meaning through timing and context. See also flat affect, deadpan, poker face, facial expression, and nonverbal communication.