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 often 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 of detached

• distant
• cold
• withdrawn
• cool
• reserved
• dry

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

After six months of backpacking, Martha was feeling very Taoist, very detached, just a big naked eyeball wandering around, absorbing all the astonishing things there were to see at the frayed edges of a defunct feudal empire. —Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026

The old designs were too formal, too detached, too cold. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

By one estimate, fewer than a quarter of the residential areas in many cities allow anything other than detached single-family homes. —M. Nolan Gray, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026

But also, the way that the hospice nurses are so compassionate and calm and present, but at the same time detached. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

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