lonely

Lonely is a term describing the feeling of sadness or discomfort resulting from a perceived gap between desired and actual social connection. Loneliness is a subjective experience that can occur even when a person is surrounded by others. It is distinct from social isolation, which is an objective condition, and from solitude, which can be voluntary. Loneliness can involve emotional loneliness (missing a close bond) or social loneliness (lacking a broader network).

Causes include life transitions such as bereavement, divorce, relocation, and aging; physical or mental health issues, chronic illness, disability, and stigma; and environmental or behavioral factors such as urban living, caregiving burdens, or heavy reliance on digital communication.

Health and social consequences: chronic loneliness is linked with stress responses, sleep disturbance, and higher risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, and mortality. It can affect motivation, social behavior, and overall quality of life.

Measurement and research: loneliness is typically assessed via self-report scales (eg UCLA Loneliness Scale, de Jong Gierveld scale) focusing on perceived isolation. Research explores risk and protective factors, including meaningful relationships, social skills, and community engagement.

Coping and interventions: treatments include psychotherapy such as CBT, social skills training, mindfulness, and behavioral activation; community programs, volunteering, peer support groups, and efforts to increase meaningful in-person contact. Digital tools can help but may be less effective without real-world interaction.

Etymology: lonely derives from lone with the suffix -ly; loneliness as a noun developed in English. The term highlights a subjective emotional state and is widely used across cultures to describe the human experience of feeling disconnected.