Lonely meaning

What does “lonely” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“lonely” is an adjective with 4 meanings. Its most common meaning is: lacking companions or companionship.

lonely

lacking companions or companionship
“he was alone when we met him”
“she is alone much of the time”
Synonymsalone lone solitary
marked by dejection from being alone
“felt sad and lonely”
“the loneliest night of the week”
Synonymslonesome
characterized by or preferring solitude
“a lone wolf”
“a lonely existence”
Synonymslone solitary
devoid of creatures
“a lonely crossroads”
“a solitary retreat”
Synonymssolitary unfrequented

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University