lonesome
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for lonesome, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Feeling sad from being alone; lonely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use lonesome
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
feeling lonesome
a lonesome trail
lonesome nights
More common in American and especially Southern/country usage than in British English.
Etymology
From "lone" plus "-some," dating to the mid-17th century.
Full origin of lonesome →Frequently asked questions
What does “lonesome” mean?
The word “lonesome” means feeling sad from being alone; lonely. In plain terms, a slightly old-fashioned or informal word for lonely.
How do you pronounce “lonesome”?
“Lonesome” is pronounced LOHN-suhm (/ˈloʊnsəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “lonesome” in a sentence?
Here is “lonesome” used in a sentence: “He grew lonesome out on the ranch with no neighbours for miles.”
What part of speech is “lonesome”?
“Lonesome” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lonesome” come from?
The word “lonesome” dates back to around 1600. From "lone" plus "-some," dating to the mid-17th century.
Is “lonesome” a common word?
“Lonesome” is an uncommon word in modern English.
