CravnnONS loneliness figures 2026: 23% of adults feel lonely often or some of the time
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What the ONS found
The Office for National Statistics publishes a regular bulletin called Public opinions and social trends, based on its Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. The January 2026 edition, published on 20 February 2026, includes a measure of loneliness among adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain.
According to the bulletin, almost a quarter of adults (23%) reported feeling lonely often, always or some of the time. A further quarter (27%) reported feeling lonely occasionally, and just under half (48%) reported feeling lonely hardly ever or never.
The survey sampled 7,906 households, and 3,090 individuals responded, a response rate of 39%. Fieldwork ran from 7 January to 1 February 2026. These are survey estimates, not a count of every adult, so treat them as a snapshot of how people said they felt in that period.
Feeling lonely often, always or some of the time, by age
Source: ONS, Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: January 2026, published 20 February 2026.
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The figures in one place
| Group | Lonely often, always or some of the time |
|---|---|
| All adults | 23% |
| Women | 24% |
| Men | 22% |
| Aged 16 to 29 | 27% |
| Aged 30 to 49 | 28% |
| Aged 50 to 69 | 19% |
| Aged 70 and over | 16% |
Source: ONS, Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: January 2026. Survey estimates for adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain.
What it tells us, and what it does not
The first thing that stands out is the age pattern. Loneliness is not only a problem for older people. In this survey, adults aged 30 to 49 and 16 to 29 were the most likely to say they felt lonely often, always or some of the time, at 28% and 27%, compared with 19% for those aged 50 to 69 and 16% for those aged 70 and over.
The second is stability. The ONS says the share of adults feeling lonely often, always or some of the time appeared to rise between March 2020 and February 2021, but has been relatively stable since early March 2021, when it was 25%. So this is not a short spike. It is a steady background level.
The third is a caution. The bulletin reports how people described their own feelings. It does not say why they felt lonely, and it does not measure how many friends they have or how often they meet people. We should not read causes into it, and we have not looked for a link to dating apps, because the bulletin does not make one.
What it means for meeting people
For anyone looking to meet new people, the numbers are a useful reminder that feeling lonely is common, including among people in their twenties, thirties and forties who may seem busy and well connected. If you feel that way, you are in large company.
It also suggests that low-pressure ways of meeting people matter. A group chat, a shared activity or an easy first meeting in a public place can feel less daunting than a formal date, and they suit people who are not sure what they are looking for. Ireland is covered by different surveys, so these figures apply to Great Britain only.
If you are struggling. Feeling lonely is common and nothing to be ashamed of. If it is affecting your wellbeing, talk to someone you trust or your GP, and use the support services listed on the NHS website.
Small steps to meet people
- Pick one activity you already enjoy and look for a group or an event around it.
- Meet somewhere public and busy for a first meeting, and tell a friend where you are.
- On Cravnn you can start a group chat with people you have met and share your live location with trusted contacts using Meet Safe.
- Keep the first meeting short and easy, such as a coffee or a walk.
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- ONS: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: January 2026 (published 20 February 2026) (checked 12 November 2026)
Questions
How many adults in Great Britain feel lonely?
The ONS bulletin published on 20 February 2026 says 23% of adults reported feeling lonely often, always or some of the time, 27% occasionally, and 48% hardly ever or never. Fieldwork ran from 7 January to 1 February 2026.
Which age group feels loneliest according to the ONS?
Adults aged 30 to 49 (28%) and 16 to 29 (27%) were the most likely to report feeling lonely often, always or some of the time, compared with 19% of those aged 50 to 69 and 16% of those aged 70 and over.
Has loneliness been rising in Great Britain?
The ONS says the share appeared to increase between March 2020 and February 2021 but has been relatively stable since early March 2021, when it was 25%.