loneliness

Feeling of sadness that results from being solitary and isolated. Loneliness can occur at various stages in life and in different situations. An adolescent in an identity crisis, for example, may be afraid of forming close relationships and be lonely as a result. In the elderly, isolation resulting from degenerative disease, particularly that affecting sight, hearing, or mobility, or due to social factors, such as loss of a spouse or close friends, often leads to loneliness and depression.