isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

also ˌi-

: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

Synonyms of isolation

• solitude
• privacy
• loneliness

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

With its affinities for isolation and, at times, imposing scale, Land art conjures archaeology and the geological sublime—vast expanses of space and time. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Middleton spent Wednesday with the West Sussex Minibus, which acts as a vital lifeline for people who cannot easily access public transport due to isolation, mobility challenges or financial barriers, and those aided by the organization’s services. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

These differences have made the apple maggot an important model for studies of host specificity and the possibility of speciation (the evolution of new species) without geographic isolation. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Arguing that decades of isolation violated Pike's constitutional rights, the lawsuit ended in a settlement with the state in 2024 that granted her more opportunities to interact with other inmates. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

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