unmarried

/'ʌ'mærid/

Definition

Adjective:
- Not married: Describes a person who has never been legally married or whose marriage has ended and who has not remarried. It refers to the civil status of not having a spouse.
- Pertaining to the state of not being married: Relating to the lifestyle, circumstances, or legal status of someone who is not married.

Usage

The adjective "unmarried" is used to describe a person's marital status. It is neutral and factual.
It typically comes before a noun (e.g., ) or after a linking verb like "be" (e.g., ).
It is often used in formal, legal, or statistical contexts (e.g., census forms, official documents) but is also common in general speech.

Examples

Before a noun:
- The survey collected data from unmarried adults.
- She is an unmarried mother of two.
After a linking verb:
- He remained unmarried his entire life.
- Are you married or unmarried?

Advanced Usage

"Unmarried" vs. "Single": While often used interchangeably, "single" can sometimes imply not being in a committed romantic relationship, whereas "unmarried" is a strict legal term. In many contexts, "single" is more common in casual conversation.
- He's single and ready to mingle. (Focus on relationship availability)
- Please state whether you are married, divorced, or unmarried. (Focus on legal status)
"Unmarried couple": A term used for two people in a cohabiting relationship who are not legally married.
- The law provides certain rights for unmarried couples.

Variants and Related Words

Single (adj): Not married or not in a romantic relationship. (A common synonym, though nuances may differ.)
Unwed (adj): Not married. (Somewhat old-fashioned or formal, often used in the context of parenthood: .)
Bachelor (n): An unmarried man.
Spinster (n): An unmarried woman, typically older. (This term is now often considered outdated and potentially offensive.)
Divorced (adj): No longer married due to legal dissolution of a marriage. (This is a distinct status from "unmarried," though a divorced person is currently unmarried.)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases and Collocations

Unmarried status: The condition of not being married.
- He declared his unmarried status on the application.
Unmarried partner: A person one lives with in a conjugal relationship without being married.
- The form has a box for unmarried partner.
Unmarried life: The lifestyle or experience of not being married.
- She enjoyed her independence during her unmarried life.

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