lonely Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite lacking companions or companionship
    alone; solitary; lone.
    • he was alone when we met him
    • she is alone much of the time
    • the lone skier on the mountain
    • a lonely fisherman stood on a tuft of gravel
    • a lonely soul
    • a solitary traveler
  2. adjective satellite marked by dejection from being alone
    lonesome.
    • felt sad and lonely
    • the loneliest night of the week
    • lonesome when her husband is away
    • spent a lonesome hour in the bar
  3. adjective satellite characterized by or preferring solitude
    solitary; lone.
    • a lone wolf
    • a lonely existence
    • a man of a solitary disposition
    • a solitary walk
  4. adjective satellite devoid of creatures
    unfrequented; solitary.
    • a lonely crossroads
    • a solitary retreat
    • a trail leading to an unfrequented lake

WordNet

Lone"ly adjective
Etymology
Shortened fr. alonely.
Wordforms
comparative Lonelier ; superlative Loneliest
Definitions
  1. Sequestered from company or neighbors; solitary; retired; as, a lonely situation; a lonely cell.
  2. Alone, or in want of company; forsaken.
    To the misled and lonely traveler. Milton.
  3. Not frequented by human beings; as, a lonely wood.
  4. Having a feeling of depression or sadness resulting from the consciousness of being alone; lonesome.
    I am very often alone. I don't mean I am lonely. H. James.
    Syn. -- Solitary; lone; lonesome; retired; unfrequented; sequestered; secluded.

Webster 1913