asocial

adjective

aso·​cial (ˌ)ā-ˈsō-shəl How to pronounce asocial (audio)
: not social: such as
a
: rejecting or lacking the capacity for social interaction

Examples of asocial in a Sentence

an asocial and grumpy artist lives alone on the top floor
Recent Examples on the Web According to the authors of the research, the results challenge the traditional conception of cats as socially aloof, and suggest that some species — whether considered social or asocial — acquire the ability to recognize people’s voices as a result of close contact, rather than domestication. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024 The culture presents to us a picture of hackers which is a sensational caricature: Somebody who is almost completely asocial, maybe has mental illness, maybe is morbidly overweight. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 May 2023 While antisocial behavior refers to actions contrary to normal social behavior, asocial behavior describes a lack of desire or inability to engage with others socially.910 What Other Disorders Look Like ASPD? Cristina Mutchler, Health, 21 June 2023 In each case, the robot indicated the hidden location of a treat by pointing and either saying the dog's name (for the social robot) or simply beeping (asocial). Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2013 See all Example Sentences for asocial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asocial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asocial was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near asocial

Cite this Entry

“Asocial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asocial. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

asocial

adjective
aso·​cial (ˈ)ā-ˈsō-shəl How to pronounce asocial (audio)
: not social: as
a
: not involving or taking part in social interaction with others
Swimming is, by nature, asocial … the human community is peripheral.Akiko Busch, The New York Times
… the very individual and often asocial lives of contemporary artists …Nancy Hynes, Prospect (London)
b
: hostile or harmful to organized society : antisocial
The family dynamics of kids who bounce from one home environment to the next could result in behavioral patterns that can lead to asocial activities that include violence, petty crime or drug abuse …James Edward Mills, The Wisconsin State Journal

More from Merriam-Webster on asocial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!