lonesomeness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'lonesomeness' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the state of being lonely or isolated. Example: After his wife passed away, John felt a deep sense of lonesomeness that he couldn't shake off. He missed her companionship and the house felt empty without her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

A little later, in 1770s Germany, Johann von Goethe was romancing Charlotte von Stein by insisting that his solitary walks and moody lonesomeness were all because of his fixation on her.

Independent

Her laconic wit and tales of late-night lonesomeness hit the mark every time.

Independent

Whatever lonesomeness the road implies is also a blankness that soon will be filled with possibility.

The New Yorker

Here, Springsteen posits that lonesomeness — dissatisfaction — is essentially inevitable.

The New Yorker

He radiated an aura of lonesomeness and melancholy, but he also seemed to be entirely self-contained.

The New Yorker

She didn't romanticize the experience or effort of becoming successful; for her the ride came with alcoholism, and moments of severe lonesomeness between the adrenaline rushes of the spotlight.

The New Yorker

Sometimes on afternoons like this I found an excuse to get left behind by the others just to savor the lonesomeness.

The New York Times - Travel

His father is burdened with a "great lonesomeness".

The New York Times - Books

In her lexicon, lonesomeness means the opposite of isolation.

The New York Times - Books

An indecisive dullard interested in nothing, Max is lonesomeness incarnate, itchy in his own clothes.

The New York Times

To read through the many biographies and autobiographies of renowned tennis players — the only real window we have on the intimacy of tennis rivalries — is to immerse yourself in a literature of not only competition and achievement but also of, most absorbingly, solitude and the self-doubt and lonesomeness it can beget.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lonesomeness" to specifically highlight the emotional state of being lonely, often emphasizing a sense of longing or sadness. This term is particularly effective in literary or reflective writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lonesomeness" solely to describe physical isolation without conveying the accompanying emotional distress. While related, physical isolation doesn't always equate to feeling lonely or experiencing "lonesomeness".

Linguistic Context

The noun "lonesomeness" functions primarily to denote the state or quality of being lonesome. It encapsulates the emotional experience of isolation and solitude, often carrying a connotation of sadness or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable term.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lonesomeness" is a grammatically sound noun that describes the state of feeling lonely or isolated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, where it effectively conveys a sense of emotional distress associated with solitude. While synonyms like "isolation" and "solitude" exist, "lonesomeness" often carries a deeper connotation of sadness. When using "lonesomeness", consider the emotional context and avoid simply using it as a replacement for physical isolation. While the term is not wrong, it's best deployed where the emotion of longing or sadness are the focus, as reflected in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of loneliness

Highlights the condition of being lonely, often implying a desire for connection.

feeling of being alone

Directly expresses the emotion associated with being by oneself.

feeling of isolation

Focuses on the emotional state of being separated or detached from others.

sense of solitude

Emphasizes the experience of being alone, potentially by choice or circumstance.

aloneness

Similar to solitude, but can sometimes carry a slightly more negative connotation.

isolation

A more clinical and detached term for being separated from others.

solitude

Suggests a more positive or neutral state of being alone, often chosen for reflection.

desolation

Implies a more extreme and bleak sense of isolation and abandonment.

forsakenness

Suggests a feeling of being abandoned or rejected by others.

dreariness

Focuses on the dull, depressing quality of being alone and isolated.

FAQs

How is "lonesomeness" different from loneliness?

"Lonesomeness" and loneliness are very similar, but "lonesomeness" often emphasizes a deeper, more profound sense of sadness and isolation. Loneliness can be a more transient feeling, while "lonesomeness" suggests a more enduring state.

What are some synonyms for "lonesomeness"?

Synonyms for "lonesomeness" include "isolation", "solitude", "aloneness", and "desolation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "lonesomeness" in a sentence?

You can use "lonesomeness" to describe a feeling or state of being lonely. For example, "The old house was filled with a sense of "lonesomeness" after the family moved away."

Is "lonesomeness" a formal or informal word?

"Lonesomeness" is generally considered a neutral word, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it leans slightly towards being used more commonly in literary or reflective contexts.