lonely

Etymology

From lone + -ly, or from an apheretic shortening of alonely. See lone.

adj

1. Unhappy because of feeling isolated from contact with other people.
   At last My love has come along My lonely days are over And life is like a song 1941, “At Last”, Mack Gordon, Harry Warren (music), performed by Glenn Miller, Ray Eberle (vocals), and Pat Friday (vocals)
   Well, since my baby left me, Well, I found a new place to dwell. Well, it's down at the end of Lonely Street At Heartbreak Hotel. Where I'll be, I'll be so lonely, baby Well, I'm so lonely I'll be so lonely, I could die. 1956, “Heartbreak Hotel”, Mae Boren Axton, Tommy Durden, Elvis Presley (lyrics), performed by Elvis Presley
   From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away. 2013-06-08, “The new masters and commanders”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8839, page 52
2. (of a place or time) Unfrequented by people; desolate.
3. (of a person) Without companions; solitary.