isolation

noun

iso·la·tion | \ ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən also ˌi-

Definition of isolation

: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

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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 forced isolation always made the sociable child lonely

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike AirPods, however, the AirDots have silicone tips that could allow for better sound isolation and a more secure fit. — Sam Byford, The Verge, "Xiaomi announces $30 AirPods clones called AirDots," 7 Nov. 2018 Hokkaido is Japan's northern frontier and a major farming region with rugged mountain ranges and vast forests, and its people are accustomed to coping with long winters, isolation and other hardships. — Fox News, "Japan quake toll up to 16 as rescuers dig through landslides," 6 Sep. 2018 Our community dance helps improve dancers’ sense of well-being, builds social skills and confidence, and reduces a sense of isolation and exclusion. — Kerry Plummer, baltimoresun.com, "Dancing for better health [Marriottsville/Sykesville/Woodstock]," 6 July 2018 The Center for American Progress observes that ride-hailing can help disadvantaged populations overcome geographic isolation and access jobs, education and health care services. — Daniel Sperling, Scientific American, "Can Ride-Hailing Improve Public Transportation Instead of Undercutting It?," 5 July 2018 His work depicts intersections of masculinity, intimacy, and temporality, and is often inspired by his own experiences of isolation and trauma. — Sarah Nechamkin, The Cut, "Meet the Finalists for the New Vanguard Photography Prize," 2 July 2018 Black teachers quit, observers say, because of discrimination by peers, isolation, and frustration with the US education system. — Story Hinckley, The Christian Science Monitor, "Next up for men of color? A place at the front of the classroom.," 28 June 2018 Shot 44% out of pick-and-rolls, 43.5% in spot-ups, 40% in isolation and 61.9% in transition. — Ben Ladner, SI.com, "Nets Select Dzanan Musa With No. 29 Pick in 2018 NBA Draft," 21 June 2018 But there’s been much less done around the issues of depression, isolation, and anxiety. — Craig Laban, Philly.com, "Anthony Bourdain: Philly chefs share their memories," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'isolation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for isolation

The first known use of isolation was in 1833

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More Definitions for isolation

isolation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of isolation

: the state of being in a place or situation that is separate from others : the condition of being isolated

: the act of separating something from other things : the act of isolating something

See the full definition for isolation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

isolation

noun

iso·la·tion | \ ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən

Kids Definition of isolation

: the act of keeping apart from others : the condition of being kept apart from others … it was the cows who were responsible for the wood's isolation …— Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting