asocial

Asocial is an adjective describing a tendency to avoid social interaction or a lack of interest in social relations. It may describe a personal preference for solitary activities or a pattern of limited social engagement. The term is descriptive rather than diagnostic and should not be equated with antisocial behavior; antisocial refers to actions that violate social norms or harm others, and can be associated with personality disorders.

Asocial behavior can be voluntary or contextual and may stem from discomfort, shyness, social anxiety, depression, autism spectrum traits, or a general preference for solitude. It can occur across cultures and across age groups. The concept emphasizes variability in social needs rather than labeling character.

In biology and ethology, asocial describes species or individuals that do not form long-term social groups or that lead primarily solitary lives; such behavior can be adaptive in certain ecological conditions.

In everyday use, "asocial" is sometimes used informally to describe someone who avoids parties or prefers solitary hobbies, but it is less precise than terms like introverted, shy, or socially withdrawn. The term helps distinguish a preference for solitude from deliberate harm or disregard for others.

See also: antisocial, introversion, social anxiety, loneliness, social withdrawal.