English Reference
adjective

unrelated

adj.
US /ˌənɹiˈɫeɪtɪd/ UK /ˌʌnɹɪlˈeɪtɪd/ un·re·lat·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    not connected or associated with something else.

    lacking a logical, causal, or thematic connection to a specific subject or event.

    Simple

    The police believe the two crimes are completely unrelated to each other.

    In context

    The witness provided several details that were entirely unrelated to the primary investigation, causing significant delays in the courtroom proceedings.

    Usage

    often followed by the preposition 'to'

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    not belonging to the same family.

    lacking a biological or legal kinship; not members of the same family unit.

    Simple

    Although they have the same last name, the two students are unrelated.

    In context

    The study compared the genetic markers of siblings against those of unrelated individuals from the same geographic region.

    non relative

Usage apparently unrelated

There’s an element of González’s choice to sign in Saudi Arabia that raises questions unrelated to that country in particular.

The Guardian· 28 Aug 2026

In a previously issued statement it said Kennedy’s visit to Samoa “was unrelated to vaccines.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026

From un- + related.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated