Lonely

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈləʊnli/
• US IPA: /ˈloÊŠnli/

Origin

From lone + -ly, or from an apheretic shortening of alonely. See lone.

Full definition of lonely

Adjective

1. Unhappy because of feelings of loneliness.
• 1941, At Last , At last
  My love has come along
  My lonely days are over
  And life is like a song
• 2013-06-08, The new masters and commanders, From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.
2. (of a place or time) unfrequented by people; desolate.
3. (of a person) without companions; solitary.

Synonyms

• (dejected) lonesome
• (unfrequented by people) desolate, desert, empty, unpeopled, unpopulated
• (without companions) solitary, alone, unaccompanied

Related terms

• lone