detached

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
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 How to pronounce detached (audio)
dē-
-ˈtacht-lē
adverb
detachedness
di-ˈta-chəd-nəs How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtacht-nəs
dē-
noun
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 During her trial last month, Ms. Crumbley was described by prosecutors as a detached and neglectful mother who engaged in an extramarital affair and at times showed more interest in caring for her horses than her son. Jacey Fortin, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Why has the United Kingdom, which sometimes appears to be such a detached country, been able to strongly influence the world of style, also in music? Billboard Italy, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Comes across as cold or detached, hindering genuine connections with others. Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Police said in a Monday news release that David Flagg died at a hospital after the Wednesday crash, in which a 2014 Nissan Frontier crashed into a detached garage on the 3900 block of Glenhurst Road. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2024 For a leader who painstakingly crafted a reputation as the arbiter of order, Putin looked detached and indecisive as Prigozhin’s ragtag mutineers made their way up the road to Moscow. William J. Burns, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2024 The guilt was peculiar — detached and almost out-of-body. Bishop Sand, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2024 Younger employees are feeling significantly more detached from their jobs and their employers—in fact, everyone is, except for Boomers, who are more engaged than ever. Jane Thier, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 The sale of the detached house in the 5300 block of Thomas Ave., Oakland, has been finalized. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detached.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see detach

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detached was circa 1706

Dictionary Entries Near detached

Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detached. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

detached

adjective
de·​tached di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
1
: not joined or connected : separate
a detached house
2
: aloof entry 2, unconcerned, impartial
a detached attitude
detachedly
-ˈtach-əd-lē How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtach-tlē
adverb
detachedness
-ˈtach-əd-nəs How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtach(t)-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on detached

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!