detached

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht 

dē-

1

: standing by itself : separate, unconnected

especially : not sharing any wall with another building

a house with a detached garage

2

: exhibiting an aloof objectivity usually free from prejudice or self-interest

a detached observer

detachedly

di-ˈta-chəd-lē 

dē-

-ˈtacht-lē

adverb

detachedness

di-ˈta-chəd-nəs 

-ˈtacht-nəs

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• aloof
• antisocial
• asocial
• buttoned-up
• cold
• cold-eyed
• cool
• distant
• dry
• frosty
• offish
• remote
• standoff
• standoffish
• unbending
• unclubbable
• unsociable

Choose the Right Synonym for detached

indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest.

indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Examples of detached in a Sentence

The house has a detached garage.

a detached observer at company parties, taking it all in and saying very little

Recent Examples on the Web

One adult who lives in the detached garage and six adults and three cats who live in an adjacent home were displaced by the fire, according to the post. —Graeme Taskerud, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025

These parents fulfill their child’s basic needs—food, shelter and clothing—but remain emotionally detached and disengaged. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Stealing the show is German actor Nina Hoss as the CEO of the company, leering over Zoom work meetings like a god phoning in from Mount Olympus, coolly detached and formidably out of touch as a corporate messiah. —Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 25 Dec. 2024

The film seems to comment on the evolution of communication—from a love of language to a more detached, modern form of communication. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see detach

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detached

• detached service

Rhymes for detached

• unattached
• attached
• despatched
• dispatched
• mismatched
• unlatched
• unmatched
• catched
• hatched
• latched
• matched
• patched

Kids Definition

detached

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht 

1

: not joined or connected : separate

a detached house

2

: aloof entry 2, unconcerned, impartial

a detached attitude

detachedly

-ˈtach-əd-lē 

-ˈtach-tlē

adverb

detachedness

-ˈtach-əd-nəs 

-ˈtach(t)-nəs

noun