# isolated

/ˈaɪsəˌɫeɪtəd/ (US) · /ˈaɪsəlˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/isolated
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physically separate

adjective · CEFR B2

far away from other places, buildings, or people.

For teachers: physically detached or remote from others; situated in a location that is difficult to access.

- The hikers stayed in an isolated cabin deep in the mountains.
- The village remained isolated for weeks after the heavy snowfall blocked the only mountain pass connecting it to the valley.

Usage: Often used to describe geographical locations or social states.

### 2. happening once

adjective · CEFR B2

happening only once or very rarely; not part of a pattern.

For teachers: occurring as a single instance or an exceptional case rather than as part of a broader trend or pattern.

- The police said the crime was an isolated incident and the town was safe.
- While the software crash was frustrating, the developers insisted it was an isolated occurrence caused by a rare hardware conflict.

Usage: Commonly collocates with 'incident', 'case', or 'occurrence'.

### 3. medical/scientific

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

separated from a larger group or body for study.

For teachers: referring to a biological or chemical substance that has been extracted or a condition occurring without other symptoms.

- The scientists studied the isolated virus to understand how it spreads.
- The laboratory analyzed the isolated compound to determine its efficacy against the specific bacterial strain identified in the patient.

Usage: Used as a technical adjective in biology, chemistry, and clinical medicine.

## Examples

- The doctor isolated the sick patient to protect others.
- During the outbreak, health officials worked quickly to isolate anyone who had been in contact with the virus.
- Researchers successfully isolated the specific protein responsible for the allergic reaction, allowing them to develop a more targeted treatment for chronic sufferers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.