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• withdrawn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

New homes are less likely to compete on price with existing homes in dense urban markets like New York City, where scarce land means new construction is dominated by condominium projects rather than detached homes. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Apartments offer better square-meter-to-euro value than across the river, and detached homes are available here at a lower price point. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026

Guests return year on year, generation on generation, making Coral Reef Club the perfect antidote to the detached, impersonal sheen of the modern chain resort. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

Or a pig’s leg lying off to the side, detached and jittering, could resemble Ted’s leg. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 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