loneliness
LOHN-lee-nuhs
Loneliness (noun) means a painful feeling of being alone or cut off from other people. Example: “The loneliness of living abroad hit her hardest during the holidays.”
noun
1
A painful feeling of being alone or cut off from other people.
"The loneliness of living abroad hit her hardest during the holidays."
"He struggled with loneliness after his friends moved away."
"Many older people feel loneliness more keenly when winter arrives."
How to use loneliness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe unhappy feeling that comes from being isolated or without company.
Common pairings
feelings of loneliness
combat loneliness
deep loneliness
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Word forms
- Plural
- lonelinesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of living abroad hit her hardest during the holidays.
Etymology
Formed from "lonely" plus the suffix "-ness."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for loneliness
business
ugliness
laziness
holiness
happiness
craziness
weariness
readiness
emptiness
manliness
dizziness
tardiness
See all rhymes for loneliness →
Frequently asked questions
What does “loneliness” mean?
The word “loneliness” means a painful feeling of being alone or cut off from other people. In plain terms, the unhappy feeling that comes from being isolated or without company.
How do you pronounce “loneliness”?
“Loneliness” is pronounced LOHN-lee-nuhs (/ˈloʊnlinəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “loneliness” in a sentence?
Here is “loneliness” used in a sentence: “The loneliness of living abroad hit her hardest during the holidays.”
What is another word for “loneliness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “loneliness” include ellingness, forlornness, lonelihood, lonesomeness and monopathy.
What is the opposite of “loneliness”?
The opposite of “loneliness” — its antonyms — are companionship, fellowship, sociableness and isolophilia.
What part of speech is “loneliness”?
“Loneliness” is a noun.
Is “loneliness” a common word?
“Loneliness” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between loneliness and solitude?
Loneliness describes a painful feeling of being alone or cut off from other people, carrying a negative emotional weight. Solitude, by contrast, simply describes being alone and can be a neutral or even positive state, such as when someone chooses to be alone to relax or focus.
Can you feel loneliness even when surrounded by people?
Yes, loneliness is defined as a painful feeling of being cut off from others, which can occur even in a crowd if someone feels emotionally disconnected from the people around them, rather than simply being physically alone.
