Unaffectionateness

Unaffectionateness refers to the quality or state of lacking warmth, fondness, or love. It describes a demeanor characterized by a coolness or indifference towards others, and an absence of demonstrative displays of care or endearment. This emotional distance can manifest in various ways, from a reserved personality to a clear lack of interest in the well-being or feelings of those around. It suggests a detachment from emotional connection and often implies a certain degree of coldness or remoteness in interpersonal relationships, leaving the receiver of this behavior wanting.

Unaffectionateness meaning with examples

• Her unemotional response to the news was interpreted as utter unaffectationateness, even though she could have been processing in her own way. Witnesses struggled with what they saw as a lack of compassion, but she simply showed no overt displays of grief or sorrow. The other family members were struggling to understand what appeared to be a complete shutdown of feeling.
• The detective's unaffectationateness during the interrogation was chilling. He remained impassive, offering no emotional cues to the suspect, making it difficult to gauge his reaction or the truth. His emotional coolness was a strategic move, not showing any type of warmth and causing the suspect great discomfort as he was completely unreadable.
• The social worker observed the father's unaffectationateness towards his children. He rarely showed any physical affection and provided only basic necessities, making a strong effort to stay distant. The children appeared to crave a connection, and were suffering from emotional neglect, causing them to struggle in school.
• Critics have described the novel's protagonist as suffering from unaffectationateness. His detached attitude and lack of empathy made him seem unrelatable to the reader. Even in moments of crisis, he displays no outward emotional response, and maintains a cold and distant personality with no interest in feelings or showing warmth to others.