detachment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "detachment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a detachment of troops, a detachment from a duty, a feeling of emotional detachment, or even an artistic detachment. For example: "The soldiers were sent on a dangerous mission, with no emotional detachment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova arrive in their colony they will be taken immediately into a quarantine block to be assessed to determine which otryad, or detachment, they will join for the duration of their sentence.

The Guardian

Isn't there anywhere I can be alone?" When not in the detachment block, prisoners are at work.

The Guardian

They travelled for 10 days until they reached a detachment of Free Syrian Army soldiers some 20 miles from Damascus.

The Guardian

It adds a note of almost ironic detachment to whatever situation is causing me stress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will have to earn the right within the detachment to "move down".

The Guardian

Cultural and social activities are also organised on a detachment basis, including the annual beauty contest (variously called "Miss Colony", "Miss Spring", "Miss Personality").

The Guardian

But I think there must be a certain element of empathy".She had originally thought there would be a coldness, a detachment to their work, but found the opposite.

The Guardian - Arts

Russia has long used the principle of "prisoner self-organisation" to get jobs done around the detachment blocks and to organise prisoners' daily lives.

The Guardian

He may have been fairly moderate in the realm of food and drink, but he also owned a great deal of stuff, and he writes in a way that certainly does not suggest emotional detachment from the details of material possessions.

The Guardian - Books

Malkovich eyed my misery (much as he did the whole Nessun Dorma brouhaha) with laconic detachment, but underneath that seen-it-all exterior he could tell a fellow actor was suffering and he had decided to help.

The Guardian

Had a good line: why does ambassador in Paris has a marine detachment and ambassador in Libya does not?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "detachment" to depict a character's emotional state or their approach to a situation, creating a sense of distance or apathy.

Common error

Avoid using "detachment" when you intend to convey a complete lack of feeling or concern (apathy). "Detachment" often implies a deliberate effort to remain objective, while apathy suggests indifference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "detachment" is as a noun. It can refer to the state of being detached, a military unit, or a quality of objectivity. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detachment" functions primarily as a noun with multiple meanings, ranging from emotional distance to military units. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in diverse contexts, spanning formal and informal registers. The examples from Ludwig indicate its prevalence in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. When using this word, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey – whether it's objectivity, emotional distance, or physical separation – to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disengagement

Highlights the act of withdrawing or separating oneself from something.

emotional distance

Focuses specifically on the emotional aspect of detachment, emphasizing a lack of emotional involvement.

separation

Focuses on the state of being apart or disconnected.

aloofness

Highlights a sense of distance and disinterest, often implying a superior attitude.

withdrawal

Emphasizes the act of pulling back or retreating from involvement.

objectivity

Emphasizes impartiality and a lack of bias in judgment or perspective.

impartiality

Highlights the quality of being unbiased and fair.

indifference

Stresses a lack of concern or interest in something.

unconcern

Highlights the lack of worry or anxiety.

isolation

Stresses the state of being alone or separated from others.

FAQs

How can I use "detachment" in a sentence?

You can use "detachment" to describe emotional distance, as in "Her "emotional distance" made it difficult to connect with her", or to describe a military unit, as in "A small "military unit" was sent ahead of the main force".

What are some synonyms for "detachment"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "aloofness", "objectivity", "indifference", or "disengagement" as alternatives to "detachment".

When is it appropriate to use "detachment" in writing?

"Detachment" is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of emotional distance, impartiality, or separation. It can be used in formal writing to describe objective analysis or in creative writing to portray a character's state of mind.

What's the difference between "detachment" and "disinterest"?

"Detachment" often suggests a conscious effort to remain objective or emotionally separate, while "disinterest" implies a lack of interest or concern. "Detachment" can be a choice, whereas "disinterest" is a state of mind.