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
Remaining silent may shroud those in power in a cloak of untouchability, projecting confidence in their authority — but also aloofness.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
Throughout many revealing conversations, the braggadocious zeal of Poseidon and Zeus, the sexy aloofness of Aphrodite and Dionysus, and the sniveling bitchery of Hermes and Hypnos were endearing, but all gave way to flawed people who grew deeply over time.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Reached by phone, the father comes off as a cold, uncaring man, and Pacino portrays him with chilling aloofness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
On Cabaret’s opposition to fascism (and aloofness towards it).
—Literary Hub, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aloofness
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Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
Throughout many revealing conversations, the braggadocious zeal of Poseidon and Zeus, the sexy aloofness of Aphrodite and Dionysus, and the sniveling bitchery of Hermes and Hypnos were endearing, but all gave way to flawed people who grew deeply over time.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Reached by phone, the father comes off as a cold, uncaring man, and Pacino portrays him with chilling aloofness.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
On Cabaret’s opposition to fascism (and aloofness towards it).
—Literary Hub, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aloofness
Cite this Entry
“Aloofness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aloofness. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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