Loneliness, n.
1. The condition of being lonely; solitude; seclusion.
2. The state of being unfrequented by human beings; as, the loneliness of a road.
3. Love of retirement; disposition to solitude. I see The mystery of your loneliness. Shak.
4. A feeling of depression resulting from being alone.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Solitude; seclusion. See Solitude.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for loneliness; he lists it under retirement.
Where he writes about it:
There may be loneliness without solitude, as amid an unsympathizing crowd, and solitude without loneliness, as when one is glad to be alone. — from retirement