# reclusive

/ɹiˈkɫusɪv/ (US) · /ɹɪklˈuːsɪv/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reclusive
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

describing someone who avoids other people and prefers to be alone. You use this for people who live quietly and keep to themselves.

For teachers: avoiding social interaction and preferring solitude. Often used to describe individuals who live in seclusion or have a private, withdrawn lifestyle.

## Examples

- The famous author is very reclusive and rarely gives interviews.
- After the scandal, the politician moved to a remote cabin and lived a reclusive life away from the public eye.
- While some view the reclusive nature of the artist as a sign of genius, others see it as a symptom of a deep-seated social anxiety that prevents him from engaging with his peers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.