What does isolated mean?
Isolated describes something that has been separated from other people, places, or things, whether by geography, circumstance, or social barriers. It can refer to a physically remote place, a person who feels disconnected, or a single event or example that is not part of a wider pattern. The word is often formal and can suggest not only separation but also self-containment or a degree of loneliness. In scientific and technical writing, isolated may mean that a specimen, substance, or variable has been separated so it can be studied or controlled more precisely. For example, an island community may be geographically isolated, while a rare failure may be described as an isolated incident. The word is particularly useful when the separation itself is significant: a quiet place, a detached individual, a separated sample, or an event that stands apart from broader trends.
Set apart from other people, places, things, or a larger group; alone, disconnected, or occurring separately.
"The valley remained isolated by snow for much of the winter."
Common in general, formal, and technical contexts; the sense ranges from physical separation to social disconnection.
To set someone or something apart from other people, things, or a surrounding group.
"Researchers isolated the protein in order to study its structure."
Common in formal and technical prose, especially for separating a substance, organism, or factor for examination.
The word hides an island: isolated comes from Latin insula, meaning “island.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does isolated come from?
Isolated belongs to the English isolate family, whose base verb came through French isoler from Italian isolato and ultimately Latin insulatus, “made into an island,” from insula, “island.” The English adjective was formed with the regular -ed ending on isolate. Latin insula also lies behind insular, insulate, and peninsula, the last literally meaning “almost an island.”
Related word forms
How isolated is actually used
The word is neutral in general use and common in formal, scientific, and technical prose. In social contexts, it may imply disconnection or loneliness, while in technical contexts it can neutrally describe a specimen or component separated for study. There is no significant regional difference between standard British and American usage.
Easily confused with isolated
Insulated means protected from heat, electricity, or sound, whereas isolated means set apart from others or from a surrounding group.