onlyhood
nounEtymology From Middle English *onlihod, (attested only as onlyhede, onlihed, onlihede), equivalent to only + -hood.
1
the condition of being unique, single, or alone
- For artists their work objectifies their yearning for love, "thatched" as we all are "in a thicket of loneliness, huddled in onlyhood."1963, The Critic - Volume 21, Issue 4:
- Despite the stereotype of an only child who is selfish, spoiled, and lonely, the positive effects of onlyhood may be stronger than the negative.1985, American Demographics - Volume 7:
2 more examples
- “But now lots of Zachary's friends are only children. The social stigma once attached to onlyhood is gone."1989, Cosmopolitan - Volume 207:
- “The anthology encapsulates the complexities of onlyhood... in a way that makes this a great read, even for people who didn't grow up with a plethora of imaginary friends to keep them company...[…]2008, Deborah Siegel, Daphne Uviller, Only Child: