lone-wolfing
Operating without backup
Lone-wolfing is doing something solo that's typically done with others—working, traveling, socializing, or pursuing a goal without partners or teammates.
The term carries connotations of independence or self-reliance, sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstance: I'm lone-wolfing it at the conference since my coworker canceled.
In security contexts, it can describe carrying out an attack without organizational support.
Distant or controller
- independentFree from external control
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- self-directedManaging oneself without supervision
- freelancingSelf-directed contract work
telecommuting · siloed · headphones · individual contributor · going rogue · bypassing · uncooperative · maverick
One in number
- unattachedNot joined or connected
- flying soloActing independently, unassisted
- bachelorUnwed male adult
- bacheloretteUnmarried woman
independent · uncommitted · playing field · casual · non-exclusive · freedom · unpartnered · self-reliant
Task done without teammates
- unilateralAffecting one side only
- rogue agentDisloyal intelligence operative
- stealthSecret, undetected movement
- covertIntentionally concealed
going dark · off-grid · unsupported · self-reliant · infiltration · reconnaissance · special ops · undercover
Existing alone, apart
- independentFree from external control
- antisocialAverse to socializing
- reclusiveSeeking isolation from others
- introvertedTurned toward inner life
hermit · withdrawn · self-sufficient · isolating · avoiding · detached · unsociable · standoffish
remote
Distant or controller
- independentFree from external control
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- self-directedManaging oneself without supervision
freelancing · telecommuting · siloed · headphones · individual contributor · going rogue · bypassing · uncooperative · maverick · self-reliant
single
One in number
- unattachedNot joined or connected
- flying soloActing independently, unassisted
- bachelorUnwed male adult
bachelorette · independent · uncommitted · playing field · casual · non-exclusive · freedom · unpartnered · self-reliant · single life
solo mission
Task done without teammates
- unilateralAffecting one side only
- rogue agentDisloyal intelligence operative
- stealthSecret, undetected movement
covert · going dark · off-grid · unsupported · self-reliant · infiltration · reconnaissance · special ops · undercover · guerrilla
solitary
Existing alone, apart
- independentFree from external control
- antisocialAverse to socializing
- reclusiveSeeking isolation from others
introverted · hermit · withdrawn · self-sufficient · isolating · avoiding · detached · unsociable · standoffish · aloof
lone-wolfingteamwork
Joint effort toward shared aim
collaborating · cooperating · working together · partnering · joining forces
lone-wolfingconforming
Meeting accepted standards
falling in line · running with the pack · chain of command · assimilating · institutionalizing
lone, wolf, wolves, wolfish, wolfishly, loner, lonesome, lonesomely, lonesomeness