single child
No siblings here
A single child is the only child in a family—one with no siblings.
The term is interchangeable with only child, though only child is more common in American English: As a single child, she never had to share a bedroom.
The phrase sometimes carries connotations of being spoiled or socially awkward, though these stereotypes are largely unsupported.
Complete concentration on one thing
- cherishedHeld dear, prized
- favoredShown special preference
- adoredIntensely cherished
- treasuredRegarded with deep affection
prized · center of attention · overprotected · sheltered · coddled · indulged · spoiled · babied
Ruined or overindulged
- entitledHaving rightful claim
- selfishConcerned only with oneself
- lonelyWanting companionship
- maladjustedPoorly adapted socially
socially awkward · precocious · overachiever · perfectionist · bossy · old soul · independent · resourceful
Without brothers or sisters
- only daughterFamily's singular female offspring
- only sonSingle male offspring
- firstbornFirst child born
- heirOne who receives legacy
descendant · offspring · progeny · nuclear family · family planning · birth control
State of lacking companions
- isolationComplete separation from others
- imaginary friendMade-up childhood confidant
- introversionInward-directed temperament
- independenceFreedom from external control
self-reliance · introspection · self-reflection · contemplation · alone time · social skills
Beliefs about future outcomes
- burdenOppressive weight or duty
- academic pressureStrain from educational demands
- performance anxietyFear of public execution
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
standards · obligation · achievement · stress · perfectionism · elder care · sandwich generation · legacy
undivided attention
Complete concentration on one thing
treasured · prized · center of attention · overprotected · sheltered · coddled · indulged · spoiled · babied · fussed over
spoiled
Ruined or overindulged
maladjusted · socially awkward · precocious · overachiever · perfectionist · bossy · old soul · independent · resourceful · creative
siblingless
Without brothers or sisters
- only daughterFamily's singular female offspring
- only sonSingle male offspring
- firstbornFirst child born
heir · descendant · offspring · progeny · nuclear family · family planning · birth control
loneliness
State of lacking companions
- isolationComplete separation from others
- imaginary friendMade-up childhood confidant
- introversionInward-directed temperament
independence · self-reliance · introspection · self-reflection · contemplation · alone time · social skills
expectations
Beliefs about future outcomes
- burdenOppressive weight or duty
- academic pressureStrain from educational demands
- performance anxietyFear of public execution
scrutiny · standards · obligation · achievement · stress · perfectionism · elder care · sandwich generation · legacy · family business
- family structuresnuclear family, extended family, blended family, stepfamily, foster family
single childsibling
Brother or sister
brother · sister · twin · middle child · youngest child
single, child, singly, singles, singled, singling, singleton, singular, singularity