Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

friend-zone

noun

/frɛnd zoʊn/

Definition

The friend-zone is a term used to describe a situation where one person in a friendship has romantic feelings for the other, but the other person does not share those feelings and prefers to keep the relationship platonic.

Examples

After confessing his feelings, Tom realized he was in the friend-zone with Sarah.
It’s tough to be in the friend-zone, especially when you care deeply for someone who only sees you as a friend.

Meaning

Being in the friend-zone typically implies that a person is stuck in a friendship where they desire more, yet the other person sees them only as a friend.