loneliness

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A feeling of depression resulting from being alone or from having no companions.

   The loneliness resulting from the loss of loved ones, lack of purpose in life, and social discrimination is a real inner hell.

2. 2
   noun

   The condition or state of being alone or having no companions.

   Hitherto all things that have bin nam’d, were approv’d of God to be very good: lonelines is the first thing which Gods eye nam’d not good […]

3. 3
   noun

   The state of being unfrequented or devoid of human activity (of a place or time).

   1794, Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho, London: G.G. & J. Robinson, Volume 4, Chapter 3, p. 50, […] as she sat at her bed-side, indulging melancholy reveries, which the loneliness of the hour assisted […]

4. 4
   noun

   A desire to be alone; disposition to solitude.

   […] I see The mystery of your loneliness, and find Your salt tears’ head: now to all sense ’tis gross You love my son […]

5. 5
   noun

   a disposition toward being alone

6. 6
   noun

   sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned

7. 7
   noun

   the state of being alone in solitary isolation

Etymology

From lonely + -ness.