detached

1 of 2

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

detached

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of detach

Synonyms of detached

Adjective

• 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• withdrawn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 others 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

Supervisors also supported language that would allow detached guest houses to be used as vacation rentals. — Haley Parsley august 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

For European countries, this means building military capacity, fighting tooth and nail to prevent Russia and the United States from making deals over their heads, and taking a more detached approach to conflicts in more distant parts of the world. — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Her detached limb is later shown lying on the ground as the violent confrontation between the two versions of Burke continues. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

The Outdoor Contact Sensor is IP66-rated for harsh weather, featuring a stronger magnet for gates, sheds, and detached garages. — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see detach

First Known Use

Adjective

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