What does Loneliness mean?

Definitions for Loneliness
lone·li·ness

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word Loneliness.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. loneliness, solitarinessnoun

    the state of being alone in solitary isolation

  2. forlornness, loneliness, desolationnoun

    sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned

  3. aloneness, loneliness, lonesomeness, solitarinessnoun

    a disposition toward being alone

Wiktionary

  1. lonelinessnoun

    A feeling of depression resulting from being alone.

  2. lonelinessnoun

    The condition of being lonely; solitude; seclusion.

  3. lonelinessnoun

    The state of being unfrequented.

    the loneliness of a road

  4. lonelinessnoun

    Love of retirement; disposition to solitude.

    I see / The mystery of your loneliness. uE000202743uE001 Shakespeare.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Lonelinessnoun

    Solitude; want of company; disposition to avoid company.

    Etymology: from lonely.

    The huge and sportful assembly grew to him a tedious loneliness, esteeming nobody sound since Daiphantus was lost. Philip Sidney.

    I see
    The mystery of your loneliness, and find
    Your salt tears head. William Shakespeare.

Wikipedia

  1. Loneliness

    Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Loneliness is also described as social pain – a psychological mechanism which motivates individuals to seek social connections. It is often associated with a perceived lack of connection and intimacy. Loneliness overlaps and yet is distinct from solitude. Solitude is simply the state of being apart from others; not everyone who experiences solitude feels lonely. As a subjective emotion, loneliness can be felt even when a person is surrounded by other people. Hence, there is a distinction between being alone and feeling lonely. Loneliness can be short term (state loneliness) or long term (chronic loneliness). In either case, it can be intense and painful. The causes of loneliness are varied. Loneliness can be a result of genetic inheritance, cultural factors, a lack of meaningful relationships, a significant loss, an excessive reliance on passive technologies (notably the Internet in the 21st century), or a self-perpetuating mindset. Research has shown that loneliness is found throughout society, including among people in marriages along with other strong relationships, and those with successful careers. Most people experience loneliness at some points in their lives, and some feel it often. The effects of loneliness are also varied. Transient loneliness (loneliness which exists for a short period of time) is related to positive effects, including an increased focus on the strength of one's relationships. Chronic loneliness (loneliness which exists for a significant amount of time in one's life) is generally correlated with negative effects, including increased obesity, substance use disorder, risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, risk of high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Chronic loneliness is also correlated with an increased risk of death and suicidal thoughts. Medical treatments for loneliness include beginning therapy and taking antidepressants. Social treatments for loneliness generally include an increase in interaction with others, such as group activities (such as exercise or religious activities), re-engaging with old friends or colleagues, and becoming more connected with one's community. Other social treatments for loneliness include the ownership of pets and loneliness-designed technologies, such as meetup services or social robots (although the use of some technologies in order to combat loneliness is debated). Loneliness has long been a theme in literature, going back to the Epic of Gilgamesh. However, academic coverage of loneliness was sparse until recent decades. In the 21st century, some academics and professionals have claimed that loneliness has become an epidemic, including Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States. However, this claim has been disputed, with critics arguing that loneliness has not increased, but rather only academic focus on the topic has.

ChatGPT

  1. loneliness

    Loneliness is a subjective emotional state characterized by feelings of isolation, emptiness, or abandonment. It occurs when an individual perceives a gap between their desired level of social interaction and actual level of social engagement. It is not necessarily about being physically alone, but could also involve feeling emotionally disconnected or not understood by others.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Lonelinessnoun

    the condition of being lonely; solitude; seclusion

  2. Lonelinessnoun

    the state of being unfrequented by human beings; as, the loneliness of a road

  3. Lonelinessnoun

    love of retirement; disposition to solitude

  4. Lonelinessnoun

    a feeling of depression resulting from being alone

Wikidata

  1. Loneliness

    Loneliness is a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation. Loneliness typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connectedness or communality with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future. As such, loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by other people. The causes of loneliness are varied and include social, mental, emotional, and spiritual factors. Research has shown that loneliness is widely prevalent throughout society among people in marriages, relationships, families and successful careers. It has been a long explored theme in the literature of human beings since classical antiquity. Loneliness has also been described as social pain — a psychological mechanism meant to alert an individual of isolation and motivate him/her to seek social connections.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

  1. Loneliness

    The state of feeling sad or dejected as a result of lack of companionship or being separated from others.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of Loneliness in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of Loneliness in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

Examples of Loneliness in a Sentence

  1. Paul Johannes Tillich:

    Our language has wisely sensed the two sides of being alone. It has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word solitude to express the glory of being alone.

  2. Indra Cidambi:

    Developing quality relationships with people who share similar interests, staying in touch with family and friends and pursuing enjoyable activities are key to alleviating loneliness.

  3. Janet Fitch, "White Oleander":

    Loneliness is the human condition. No one is ever going to fill that space. The best thing you can do it to know yourself... know what you want.

  4. Henry Owens:

    You feel a sense of desperation, loneliness, i had no hope.

  5. Doug Nemecek:

    People who feel lonely are less healthy, there are many studies linking loneliness to worsening heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression and substance abuse. In fact, healthwise, loneliness is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

Loneliness#10000#24363#100000

Translations for Loneliness

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"Loneliness." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/Loneliness>.

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