aloofness
noun
aloof·ness
ə-ˈlüf-nəs 
: the quality or state of being aloof or emotionally distant
Her aloofness … did not endear her to the rest of the company …—
Marybeth Kerrigan
Marybeth Kerrigan… there was an aloofness in him which the boys and I could never quite bridge.—Mildred D. Taylor
Mildred D. TaylorHis aloofness was … born more of insecurity than of arrogance …—David Cannadine
David Cannadine… was respected for his military tenacity and his surprising aloofness from party favoritism.—Simon Schama
Simon SchamaExamples of aloofness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Particularly the girls who are so desperate to belong, what struck me is how much at odds this is from the view of autism as an aloofness — as if autistic individuals aren’t interested in social contact.
—Matt Villano, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
When someone offers a straight-arm handshake, creating more distance between him or her and the other person, it’s processed as distrust, aloofness, or reserve.
—Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
With the chaos of his homelife leaving him on autopilot, Frank cares little about being caught defiling the library; his aloofness is disconcerting, especially coming from someone so young.
—Caroline Madden, Vulture, 8 July 2024
Popovich’s wry aloofness is a trademark of 21st-century basketball, but the recent outpouring of love for him should warm even the Grinch-iest.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aloofness
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Matt Villano, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
When someone offers a straight-arm handshake, creating more distance between him or her and the other person, it’s processed as distrust, aloofness, or reserve.
—Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
With the chaos of his homelife leaving him on autopilot, Frank cares little about being caught defiling the library; his aloofness is disconcerting, especially coming from someone so young.
—Caroline Madden, Vulture, 8 July 2024
Popovich’s wry aloofness is a trademark of 21st-century basketball, but the recent outpouring of love for him should warm even the Grinch-iest.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aloofness
Cite this Entry
“Aloofness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aloofness. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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