aloofness

[ uh-loof-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being aloof, distant, or reserved; indifference:

   His girlfriend's recent aloofness may be a sign that the relationship is over.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloofness¹

aloof + -ness

Example Sentences

The set designer Adam Rigg’s storybook framework, with rolling hills and broad-leaved plants that look like cardboard cutouts, achieves grandeur without aloofness.

From New York Times

Smith is miscast as Myrtle, for a start: Her onstage bearing exudes a homely approachability rather than high-strung poise or inscrutable aloofness.

From New York Times

A Hasidic woman laments what she sees as her second-class status, and a Black parks employee in Brooklyn condemns what he says is the aloofness and “spiritual arrogance” of the Hasidim he has encountered.

From New York Times

An image of aloofness has clung to him, despite attempts to bury it.

From New York Times

While repeated rejection hurts, try to remember that “the aloofness of Seattleites isn’t personal,” said a reader who only identified themselves by the name Libby.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• remoteness