Definition of "loneliness" in English

noun

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

   • 1657, Richard Ligon, A True & Exact History of the Island of Barbados, London: Humphrey Moseley, Dedicatory letter to the Bishop of Salisbury, [I] was designing a piece of Landscape […] wherein I meant to expresse […] the beauties of the Vegetables, that do adorn that place, in the highest perfection I could: But presently after, being cast into Prison, I was deprived both of light and lonelinesse, two main helpers in that Art […]

3. 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. (obsolete) A desire to be alone; disposition to solitude.