Unmarried: meaning, definitions and examples

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unmarried

[ʌnˈmærɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

status

Not married or legally bound in a relationship

Synonyms

single, unattached.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unmarried	This term is frequently used in formal contexts, legal documents, or discussions about marital status without suggesting any relationship status beyond not being married. He's in his thirties and still unmarried. The survey asked participants if they were married, widowed, or unmarried.
single	Commonly used in both social and formal contexts, this word describes someone who is not in a romantic relationship. It can also imply actively seeking or open to relationships. I'm single and enjoying my independence. There are many single people at the event looking to meet someone.
unattached	Often used in casual or conversational settings, this term suggests someone who is not in a committed romantic relationship and is open to possibilities. Since his breakup, he's been unattached and seems happy. She's unattached and not looking for anything serious right now.

Word

Description / Examples

unmarried

This term is frequently used in formal contexts, legal documents, or discussions about marital status without suggesting any relationship status beyond not being married.

He's in his thirties and still unmarried.
The survey asked participants if they were married, widowed, or unmarried.

single

Commonly used in both social and formal contexts, this word describes someone who is not in a romantic relationship. It can also imply actively seeking or open to relationships.

I'm single and enjoying my independence.
There are many single people at the event looking to meet someone.

unattached

Often used in casual or conversational settings, this term suggests someone who is not in a committed romantic relationship and is open to possibilities.

Since his breakup, he's been unattached and seems happy.
She's unattached and not looking for anything serious right now.

Examples of usage

She is currently unmarried and focused on her career.
He remained unmarried his whole life, preferring to travel instead.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

status

Not involved in a romantic relationship

Synonyms

available, unattached.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unmarried	Use when referring to someone who has never been married or is not currently married without specifying availability for relationships. He is unmarried and enjoys his independence She is an unmarried woman focused on her career
unattached	Refers to someone who is not currently in a committed relationship and often used in a casual or informal context. He's unattached and ready to mingle She has been unattached for a while and is enjoying her freedom
available	Best used when implying that a person is not in a relationship and is open to dating or forming a new relationship. Is he available? I think he might be interested in dating you She's available and looking for someone special

Word

Description / Examples

unmarried

Use when referring to someone who has never been married or is not currently married without specifying availability for relationships.

He is unmarried and enjoys his independence
She is an unmarried woman focused on her career

unattached

Refers to someone who is not currently in a committed relationship and often used in a casual or informal context.

He's unattached and ready to mingle
She has been unattached for a while and is enjoying her freedom

available

Best used when implying that a person is not in a relationship and is open to dating or forming a new relationship.

Is he available? I think he might be interested in dating you
She's available and looking for someone special

Examples of usage

Despite being unmarried, she was in a committed relationship.
He enjoys the freedom of being unmarried and independent.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

legal status

Having never been married

Synonyms

single, unwed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unmarried	This word is typically used in more formal or legal contexts to describe someone who has never been married, or who is not currently married. Often used in documents, forms, and official records. He is an unmarried man in his thirties. The census data showed a high percentage of unmarried individuals in the city.
single	This term is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe someone who is not currently in a romantic relationship. It carries no negative or positive connotation and is neutral. She has been single for two years now. Are you currently single or in a relationship?
unwed	This word is more old-fashioned and can carry a slightly negative connotation. It is used less frequently today and might be seen in historical or religious contexts. The couple had a child while still unwed, which was frowned upon in their community. In the 19th century, being unwed could lead to social ostracism.

Word

Description / Examples

unmarried

This word is typically used in more formal or legal contexts to describe someone who has never been married, or who is not currently married. Often used in documents, forms, and official records.

He is an unmarried man in his thirties.
The census data showed a high percentage of unmarried individuals in the city.

single

This term is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe someone who is not currently in a romantic relationship. It carries no negative or positive connotation and is neutral.

She has been single for two years now.
Are you currently single or in a relationship?

unwed

This word is more old-fashioned and can carry a slightly negative connotation. It is used less frequently today and might be seen in historical or religious contexts.

The couple had a child while still unwed, which was frowned upon in their community.
In the 19th century, being unwed could lead to social ostracism.

Examples of usage

She is an unmarried woman by law.
He inherited the property as the only unmarried sibling.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' so 'unmarried' literally means 'not married.'
The term 'married' comes from the Middle English 'marien,' which is derived from the Old French 'marier,' meaning to marry.
The use of 'unmarried' has been traced back to at least the 15th century in English texts.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, being unmarried can lead to social stigma, especially for women, reflecting historical views on marriage as a primary social role.
Modern society is increasingly accepting of being unmarried, with many people choosing single life for personal freedom or to focus on careers.
In some cultures, there are specific terms to describe unmarried individuals, such as 'bachelor' for men and 'spinster' for women, highlighting different societal expectations.

Social Science

Research indicates that unmarried individuals often report higher levels of happiness and independence compared to their married counterparts.
Demographers note a significant increase in the percentage of unmarried adults in developed countries over the last few decades, reflecting changing values.
Studies show that unmarried people often have stronger friendships and social networks, contributing to emotional support and well-being.

Pop Culture

Many songs and movies explore themes of being unmarried, often portraying the joys and challenges of single life, like in the film 'Bridget Jones's Diary.'
Unmarried individuals are often featured in literature as complex characters navigating love and relationships, such as Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice.'
Television shows often depict unmarried characters, using their status to explore themes of freedom, romance, and personal growth.

Legal Aspects

Being unmarried can affect legal rights around property and inheritance, as many laws favor spousal rights.
In some jurisdictions, unmarried couples can enter into cohabitation agreements to outline their rights and responsibilities.
Certain health benefits and insurance policies are accessed differently for unmarried individuals compared to those who are married.

Translations

Translations of the word "unmarried" in other languages:

🇵🇹 solteiro

🇮🇳 अविवाहित

🇩🇪 ledig

🇮🇩 belum menikah

🇺🇦 неодружений

🇵🇱 nieżonaty

🇯🇵 未婚 (みこん)

🇫🇷 célibataire

🇪🇸 soltero

🇹🇷 bekar

🇰🇷 미혼 (mihon)

🇸🇦 غير متزوج

🇨🇿 svobodný

🇸🇰 slobodný

🇨🇳 未婚 (wèihūn)

🇸🇮 neporočen

🇮🇸 ókvæntur

🇰🇿 бойдақ

🇬🇪 დაუქორწინებელი

🇦🇿 subay

🇲🇽 soltero

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,921 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8918 uneasy
8919 extant
8920 recurring
8921 unmarried
8922 epithelial
8923 accountant
8924 colonists
...