longingly

UK: /ˈlɒŋɪŋli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

long•ing /ˈlɔŋɪŋ, ˈlɑŋ-/   n. 

1. strong, lasting desire, esp. for something hard to reach or distant:
   [uncountable] filled with longing for the past.
2. an instance of this:
   [countable] a sudden longing to see old friends.

adj. 

3. characterized by earnest desire:
   a longing look.

long•ing•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

long•ing  (lông′ing, long′-), n. 

1. strong, persistent desire or craving, esp. for something unattainable or distant:
   filled with longing for home.
2. an instance of this:
   a sudden longing to see old friends.

adj. 

3. having or characterized by persistent or earnest desire:
   a longing look.

• bef. 1000; Middle English; Old English langung; see long², -ing¹

long′ing•ly, adv. 
long′ing•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. aspiration. See desire. 
• 3. desirous, yearning.

Antonyms

• 1. apathy.