isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  ˌi-

: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

Synonyms

• aloneness
• insulation
• privacy
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness
• solitude

Choose the Right Synonym for isolation

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of isolation in a Sentence

the isolation of the mountain community

after the long book tour, the author looked forward to the isolation of his office

Recent Examples on the Web

These individuals typically struggle to delegate or seek support, which can result in a profound sense of isolation. —Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Americans are so lonely that the US Surgeon General’s office released an advisory in 2023 stating that social isolation has an impact on mortality comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. —Eliza Brooke, Vox, 23 May 2025

Some of the best cooling mattresses on this list stand out because of edge control, motion isolation, and pressure-relieving qualities. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 23 May 2025

The Opener Country: USA; Running Time: 72 Min. Director: Jeff Toye The Opener is a feel-good music doc about Philip Labes, a young street-performer/singer-songwriter who decided to write 30 songs in 30 days to process his grief and isolation during the pandemic. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing isolation

• in isolation
• reproductive isolation
• self-isolation

Rhymes for isolation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  ˌis-ə-

1

: the act of isolating : the condition of being isolated

2

: separation of a population of living things from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossbreeding

Medical Definition

isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action of isolating or condition of being isolated

isolation of a virus

put the patient in isolation

2

: a segregation of a group of organisms from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossing

3

: a psychological defense mechanism consisting of the separating of ideas or memories from the emotions connected with them