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

Barack Obama, by contrast, gets slammed for his aloofness and lack of engagement with legislative politics — the title of the chapter on his presidency is “No You Can’t.”

From Washington Post

He had preserved a typically British aloofness during the voyage, and he had never spoken to her.

From Project Gutenberg

Both were nevertheless overpowered by the sense of their legitimacy and sacred aloofness.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not wish to imperil Alan's superb aloofness by involving him in the acrimonious and undignified defence of a friend.

From Project Gutenberg

But I knew that she was not deceived, then or later, by my new, almost hostile attitude of aloofness.

From Project Gutenberg

Val's unwonted silence and aloofness the evening before had not been lost upon her cousin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• remoteness