Is 'singleness' the same as 'loneliness'?

No. 'Singleness' is a neutral state (being unmarried or undivided). 'Loneliness' is an emotional feeling of isolation.

Can 'singleness' be used in a positive way?

Yes, especially in the phrase 'singleness of purpose,' which is highly positive, meaning total dedication and focus.

Is 'singleness' a common word?

No, it is a low-frequency, formal noun. In everyday speech, people say 'being single' or 'the state of being single'.

What is the main mistake learners make with this word?

Confusing it with 'loneliness' due to the root 'single,' and using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural.

Is “singleness” formal?

Singleness is usually formal, literary, academic in register.

How do you pronounce “singleness”?

Singleness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡ(ə)lnəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡəlnəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

singleness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈsɪŋɡ(ə)lnəs/US/ˈsɪŋɡəlnəs/

Formal, literary, academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “singleness” mean?

The state or quality of being single, unmarried, or unattached.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The state or quality of being single, unmarried, or unattached.

The quality of being undivided, focused, or dedicated to one purpose; uniqueness or individuality.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning. Both varieties use it in the same contexts.

Connotations

Slightly more formal in American English; in British English it can appear in more everyday administrative contexts (e.g., 'marital status: singleness').

Frequency

Low frequency in both varieties, with slightly higher occurrence in British English due to its use in official forms and documents.

Grammar

How to Use “singleness” in a Sentence

the singleness of [abstract noun]singleness of [purpose/mind/heart]in/with singleness

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

voluntary singlenessblessed singlenessperpetual singlenessstate of singleness

medium

embrace singlenessperiod of singlenessexperience singlenesssingleness of purpose

weak

happy singlenesslong singlenesspersonal singlenesscomplete singleness

Examples

Examples of “singleness” in a Sentence

verb

British English

N/A - 'singleness' is a noun.

American English

N/A - 'singleness' is a noun.

adverb

British English

N/A - 'singleness' is a noun.

American English

N/A - 'singleness' is a noun.

adjective

British English

N/A - 'singleness' is a noun. The adjective is 'single'.

American English

N/A - 'singleness' is a noun. The adjective is 'single'.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might appear in HR contexts discussing marital status benefits.

Academic

Used in sociology (family studies), theology, and philosophy to discuss marital status or focused intention.

Everyday

Uncommon in casual speech. Mostly used when formally discussing relationship status.

Technical

In optics/physics, can describe the property of a single mode or undivided beam.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “singleness”

Strong

bachelorhoodspinsterhoodundividednesssingularity

Neutral

unmarried statesolitude individuality celibacy

Weak

alonenessseparatenessfocus dedication

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “singleness”

marriage togetherness duality distractiondividedness

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “singleness”

Using 'singleness' to mean 'loneliness'.
Using it in casual conversation where 'being single' is more natural.
Misspelling as 'singlenes'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. 'Singleness' is a neutral state (being unmarried or undivided). 'Loneliness' is an emotional feeling of isolation.
: Yes, especially in the phrase 'singleness of purpose,' which is highly positive, meaning total dedication and focus.
: No, it is a low-frequency, formal noun. In everyday speech, people say 'being single' or 'the state of being single'.
: Confusing it with 'loneliness' due to the root 'single,' and using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural.
: The state or quality of being single, unmarried, or unattached.
: Singleness is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
: Singleness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡ(ə)lnəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡəlnəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Singleness of purpose”
“With singleness of heart”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

SINGLE-NESS: Think of a SINGLE person focusing on ONE (NESS) thing.

Conceptual Metaphor

SINGLENESS IS WHOLENESS (undivided state); SINGLENESS IS EMPTINESS (lack of partner).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The ancient text praised the of heart required for true meditation.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the abstract meaning of 'singleness' most likely used?