unrelated
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌnrɪlˈeɪtɪd/
US
- /ˌənriˈleɪtɪd/
- /ˌənrɪˈleɪtɪd/
Description
- not connected
- not relevant
- separate
If two things are unrelated, they have no connection to each other. They do not share a common cause, purpose, or clear link. You might say someone's hobbies are unrelated to their job, meaning one does not affect the other. Sometimes, evidence in court is called "unrelated" if it does not help prove the case. Think of it as two things existing in separate bubbles, with no real point of contact.
The word "unrelated" describes things that have no connection, association, or relevance to each other. It is more than just different; it suggests that there is no meaningful link between them. Imagine you are telling a story about pirates, and in the middle you add random facts about penguins. Those details would feel unrelated because they do not connect to the main idea.
"Unrelated" can apply to ideas, events, people, topics, or pieces of information. For example, "The two incidents appear to be completely unrelated" means there is no evidence that one caused the other. In a family context, "unrelated individuals" refers to people who are not connected by blood or marriage, such as coworkers or friends.
It is often used in arguments, investigations, and everyday conversation to show that something does not belong to the main subject. A detective might say, "That witness testimony is unrelated to the crime," meaning it does not help solve the case. In scientific research, people may talk about "unrelated variables" - factors that can affect results even though they are not part of what is being studied.
So if you find yourself thinking, "What does this have to do with anything?" you are probably dealing with something unrelated: a fact, event, or idea that stands apart from the main focus and does not connect to it in a clear way.
Examples
- 1
Police report
The police said the two incidents were unrelated.
- 2
Discussion topic
Her question was unrelated to the topic we were discussing.
Pattern
unrelated to + topic/thing
not connected with it
- 3
Family connection
Although they have the same last name, they're unrelated.
- 4
Job dismissal
He was let go for reasons unrelated to his work.
- 5
Separate issues
The report treats climate change and housing prices as if they were unrelated issues.
- 6
Changing subject
On a completely unrelated note, did you ever hear back from the landlord?
Phrase
on a completely unrelated note
used when suddenly changing to a different subject
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unrelatedadjective