loneliness

noun

Etymology: From lonely + -ness.

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.”

   “Cecilia proposed to her the society of Henrietta, which, glad to catch at any thing that would break into her loneliness, she listened to with pleasure […]”

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

   “Hitherto all things that have bin nam’d, were approv’d of God to be very good: lonelines is the first thing which Gods eye nam’d not good […]”

   “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 […]”

   “In addition, the very loneliness of the road had its charm for him; since only at rare intervals is house seen by its side, and rarer still living creature encountered upon it.”

4. A desire to be alone; disposition to solitude.

   “[…] I see The mystery of your loneliness, and find Your salt tears’ head: now to all sense ’tis gross You love my son […]”