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lone wolf

/ˌˈloʊn ˌwʊlf/
IPA guide

Other forms: lone wolves

If you prefer to do things on your own, including taking care of problems and working on projects, you can call yourself a lone wolf, or a person who prefers being alone.

A person who's a lone wolf is solitary and often alone, but she isn't necessarily lonely, since she prefers her solitude to socializing with others. It's a bit uncommon for a person to be a lone wolf, and it's equally unusual for an actual wolf to live and hunt alone, as wolves are naturally social animals. It does happen, though, and the figurative expression lone wolf has its roots in these solitary wolves.

Definitions of lone wolf
  1. noun
    a person who avoids the company or assistance of others
    synonyms: lone hand, loner
    see moresee less
    types:
    hermit, recluse, solitary, solitudinarian, troglodyte
    one who lives in solitude
    type of:
    individualist
    a person who pursues independent thought or action
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