Solitude (also seclusion, isolation) means lack of contact with other people.

Short-term solitude is often valued as a time when one may work, think or rest without being disturbed.

Long-term solitude is often seen as undesirable, resulting from inability to establish personal relationships.  However, for some people solitude is not depressing.  Still others (e.g. monks) regard long-term solitude as a means of spiritual enlightenment.