Emotions / A2

LOHNL-ee/ˈləʊnli/

Lonely means unhappy because you are alone: feel lonely, a lonely evening. Alone and on your own describe the situation without the sad feeling: she lives alone but is not lonely. Lonesome is more American or literary. Loneliness is the noun. Do not use lonely for a quiet place unless you mean it feels empty and sad; deserted or quiet may be better.

Meaning

Unhappy because you are alone.

Examples

• “She felt lonely in the new city.”
• “He felt lonely after his friends moved away.”
• “A pet can help if you are lonely at home.”

Good to know

feel lonely (emotion). alone / on your own (situation). Noun: loneliness.

Topics

New