Unmarried: meaning, definitions and examples

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unmarried

 

[ ʌnˈmærɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

status

Not married or legally bound in a relationship

Synonyms

single, unattached.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'unmarried' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'married'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe individuals who are not married or legally bound in a relationship. The concept of being unmarried has evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal norms and attitudes towards marriage. Today, being unmarried can signify different things to different people, from independence and freedom to a lack of commitment or simply not having found the right partner.

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.