Dictionary.com
definitions

longing

[ lawng-ing, long- ]
/ ˈlɔŋ ɪŋ, ˈlɒŋ- /
||

noun

strong, persistent desire or craving, especially for something unattainable or distant: filled with longing for home.
an instance of this: a sudden longing to see old friends.

adjective

having or characterized by persistent or earnest desire: a longing look.

RELATED CONTENT

F Scott Fitzgerald Quotes And His Thoughts On LifeThe Jazz Age's favorite author shares his musings on life, love, and writing.
READ MORE
7 Things Your Kids Are Saying & What They Really MeanRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Nearby words

  1. longi-,
  2. longicaudal,
  3. longicorn,
  4. longies,
  5. longinean,
  6. longingly,
  7. longinquity,
  8. longinus,
  9. longipennate,
  10. longirostral

Origin of longing

before 1000; Middle English; Old English langung; see long2, -ing1
SYNONYMS FOR longing
1. aspiration. 3. desirous, yearning.
ANTONYMS FOR longing
1. apathy.
Related formslong·ing·ly, adverblong·ing·ness, noun

Synonym study

1. See desire.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for longingness

  • So how does this longingness for acceptance and attention by a male figure a true feminist make?

    Miss Piggy Leans In|Erin Cunningham|March 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
British Dictionary definitions for longingness

longing

/ (ˈlɒŋɪŋ) /

noun

a prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

adjective

having or showing desire or needa longing look
Derived Formslongingly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for longingness

longing

n.

"yearning, desire," Old English langung "longing, weariness, sadness, dejection," from long (v.). Related: Longingly.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper