Word
alienated
Phoneticsalien·at·ed
US/ˈeɪɫiəˌneɪtɪd/
UK/ˈeɪliənˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. feeling like you do not belong to a group or that you are not part of society. You feel lonely and different from the people around you.
adj. feeling isolated or estranged from a group, society, or one's own environment. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'become'.
Examples
“He felt alienated from his colleagues after the argument.”
“Many young people feel alienated by the current political system and choose not to vote.”
“The rapid shift toward digital-only services has left many elderly citizens feeling alienated from a society that no longer accommodates their preferred methods of communication.”
Examples
simple
“He felt alienated from his colleagues after the argument.”
contextual
“Many young people feel alienated by the current political system and choose not to vote.”
complex
“The rapid shift toward digital-only services has left many elderly citizens feeling alienated from a society that no longer accommodates their preferred methods of communication.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'from'.
Pitfall
He felt alienated of his family.
He felt alienated from his family.
The adjective 'alienated' typically collocations with the preposition 'from', not 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“You didn’t have to be literally left behind to be alienated by modernity.” “He’s not alienated exactly, but somewhat out of step.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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