detached

1 of 3

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 3

past tense and past participle of detach

detachedness

3 of 3

noun

de·​tach·​ed·​ness -chə̇dnə̇s 

-ch(t)n-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being detached

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• withdrawn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

On a map, Newfoundland is a vast, asymmetrical island, cloven by bays and inlets, semi-detached to appendages of land deformed by ancient glaciers scraping over it, leaving glacial striations, grooves and gouges on its granite face. — Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

As the suffragettes smile and party all around her, Lizzie looks distant and detached. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

In a recall report, Ford said there is a risk that a fuel tank could leak or become detached, increasing the danger of an engine stalling and causing a possible crash or fire. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 14 Sep. 2026

The regulations list possibilities including guest houses, caretaker residences, cabanas, gyms, libraries, pool houses, boat houses and detached garages. — Luisa Yanez updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 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