status

noun

sta·​tus ˈstā-təs  ˈsta- 

plural statuses

often attributive

1

a

: position or rank in relation to others

the status of a father

b

: relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige

especially : high prestige

2

: the condition of a person or thing in the eyes of the law

3

: state or condition with respect to circumstances

the status of the negotiations

Synonyms

• ball game
• deal
• footing
• picture
• posture
• scene
• situation
• story

Examples of status in a Sentence

They want to maintain the city's status as a major tourist attraction.

He wants to improve his status in the community.

people of different social and economic statuses

She married a man of status and wealth.

This job brings with it a measure of status.

They sought asylum and were given refugee status by the government.

They are still considered refugees. Their statuses have not changed.

Recent Examples on the Web

The fact that this did not occur could point to a lapse in the verification process, where either technology or human oversight failed to identify her missing ticket status. —Selika Josiah Talbott, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

This rice cooker has a fan base—and it’s fully earned that status. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Nonprofit collective operators have complained that they are being held to a different standard than hundreds of other college sports organizations—from universities to athletic foundations—that have long enjoyed their tax-exempt status. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Georgia applied for European Union membership in April 2022 and was granted candidate status in late 2023. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin — more at state

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing status

• maintain the status quo
• marital status
• status offender
• status quo
• status quo ante
• status symbol
• the status quo

Kids Definition

status

noun

sta·​tus ˈstāt-əs  ˈstat- 

1

: position or rank in relation to others : standing

2

: state or condition with respect to circumstances : situation

Medical Definition

status

noun

sta·​tus ˈstāt-əs  ˈstat- 

plural statuses

: a particular state or condition

a patient's neurological status

Legal Definition

status

noun

sta·​tus ˈstā-təs, ˈsta- 

1

a

: the condition of a person or a thing in the eyes of the law

b

: position or rank in relation to others

2

: the current state of affairs

Etymology

Latin, mode or condition of being, from stare to stand