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Meaning & use

not attached

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌnɒt əˈtætʃt/
US/ˌnɑːt əˈtætʃt/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Not joined, fastened, or connected to something else.

    Grammar: Used after linking verbs like be, come, or stay; the opposite is 'attached to something.'

    Patterns

    • not attached to something
    • come not attached
    • stay not attached

    The shelves are not attached to the wall, so you can move them.

    Make sure the label is not attached to the wrong box.

    These parts come not attached, and you fit them yourself.

  2. phrasefixed phraseinformal

    Not having a romantic partner; not in a serious relationship.

    Grammar: Informal and usually used after be; it describes a person's situation, not a permanent state.

    Patterns

    • be not attached
    • feel not attached
    • not attached to anyone

    She told me she's not attached at the moment.

    He's happy being not attached and travelling alone.

    Are you two together, or are you not attached to anyone?

  3. phrasefixed phrase

    Not emotionally close or loyal to a person, group, or idea.

    Grammar: Often followed by 'to': not attached to a team, a place, or an outcome.

    Patterns

    • not attached to someone
    • not attached to something
    • remain not attached to something

    I like the job, but I'm not attached to the company.

    He is not attached to any political party.

    Try to stay not attached to the result and just enjoy the game.

  4. phrasefixed phrasecomputing

    Not sent with a file, document, or extra item, especially in email.

    Grammar: Common in work messages when a promised file is missing: 'The file is not attached.'

    Patterns

    • the file is not attached
    • not attached to the email
    • not attached to the message

    You said you'd send the report, but it's not attached.

    The photo is not attached to your message.

    Sorry, the invoice is not attached — I'll resend it now.

Common combinations

not attached to someone
She's not attached to anyone right now.
come not attached
The handle comes not attached, so keep the screws.
not attached to the email
The contract is not attached to the email.
remain not attached
He remained not attached to any club for a year.
feel not attached
After the move, I felt not attached to the new city.

Synonyms and how they differ

detached
More formal and often describes objects or a person's calm, distant manner rather than a relationship status.
separate
Focuses on two things being apart; it does not suggest romance or email files.
single
A direct everyday word for having no partner, but it is not used for things like shelves or files.
unattached
Very close in meaning and often used for people; it sounds slightly more formal than 'not attached.'

Opposites

attachedconnectedmarried

Word family

attach verb
to fasten or join one thing to another
attachment noun
a file sent with an email, or a strong feeling of closeness
attached adjective
joined to something, or having a partner

Commonly confused: not attached or unattached?

not attached vs unattached

This is one word and is common for people who have no partner; 'not attached' is the two-word negative phrase used for people and things.

Practice

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