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

Consequently, victims of tall poppy syndrome often suffer from low self-esteem and struggle to fit in due to their status as outliers. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Each person's needs vary based on age, climate, weight, activity level, and health status. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Jan. 2025

Many refugees in Europe are worried about their status after the fall of the al-Assad government. —New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

The crime made headlines across the nation with the immigration status of the suspect, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, becoming a talking point in news coverage. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

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