lonely

American  

[lohn-lee] / ˈloʊn li /

adjective

lonelier, loneliest

1. affected with, characterized by, or causing a depressing feeling of being alone; lonesome.

2. destitute of sympathetic or friendly companionship, intercourse, support, etc..

   a lonely exile.

3. lone; solitary; without company; companionless.

4. remote from places of human habitation; desolate; unfrequented; bleak.

   a lonely road.

   Synonyms:

   unpopulated, uninhabited

5. standing apart; isolated.

   a lonely tower.

   Synonyms:

   secluded

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lonely British  

/ ˈləʊnlɪ /

adjective

1. unhappy as a result of being without the companionship of others

   a lonely man

2. causing or resulting from the state of being alone

   a lonely existence

3. isolated, unfrequented, or desolate

4. without companions; solitary

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Related Words

See alone.

Other Word Forms

• lonelihood noun
• lonelily adverb
• loneliness noun
• unlonely adjective

Etymology

Origin of lonely

First recorded in 1600–10; lone + -ly

Example Sentences

So many expect the film to explore how he deals with this lonely phase of being a superhero.

From BBC

Harry said: "I'm beginning to lose my memory, I'm going slower and I was a bit lonely to be frank."

From BBC

He said he felt "lonely" after moving into the flat and decided to try ice skating to "make some friends".

From BBC

This time of year has been busy, Fair says, because the holidays can be lonely.

From Los Angeles Times

But knowing your talent, speaking to it, and refusing to apologize for it can be alienating and lonely.

From Salon

Related Words

• deserted
• desolate
• destitute
• empty
• homeless
• isolated
• lonesome
• reclusive
• solitary