asociality
|a-so-ci-al-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌeɪsoʊʃiˈælɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌeɪsəʊʃiˈælɪti/
lack of desire or motivation for social interaction
Etymology
'asociality' originates from Modern English, formed by the negative prefix 'a-' combined with 'sociality' (from 'social' + '-ity'); 'a-' is a privative prefix ultimately from Greek 'a-' meaning 'not' or 'without', and 'sociality' derives from Latin 'socialis' (from 'socius') meaning 'companion'.
'socius' in Latin gave rise to 'socialis' meaning 'of companionship'; this passed into Old French and Middle English as 'social' and later formed the noun 'sociality'. The prefix 'a-' (privative) was attached in Modern English to form 'asocial', and the noun 'asociality' arose by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ity'.
Initially related to the idea of being 'not social' or lacking companionship; over time it has come to denote either a general avoidance of social interaction or, in clinical contexts, a specific reduction in social motivation (a negative symptom).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a clinical or psychological term for a marked reduction in motivation for social interaction and engagement; often described as a negative symptom in conditions such as schizophrenia.
In schizophrenia, asociality is considered a negative symptom that impairs daily functioning and relationships.
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Noun 2
a general tendency or preference to avoid social interaction or social situations; lack of sociability (non-clinical usage).
Her asociality meant she often chose quiet evenings at home over going to parties.
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Last updated: 2026/01/11 14:52