status

noun

sta·​tus ˈstā-təs How to pronounce status (audio) ˈsta- How to pronounce status (audio)
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

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 Apart from questions about the law’s immediate status, the 5th Circuit has scheduled oral argument for April 3 to consider its constitutionality. Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 Long Story Short Walking Tour with Guide Kristin White St. George’s is a town with over 400 years of history that was granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 Jyoti Bansal, founder and CEO of Harness, has worked with IVP a genuinely wild three times and also volunteered his LP status. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 Imagine a more consequential vote going forward about an authorizing force to defend Taiwan or altering permanent, normal trade relation status with China. CBS News, 17 Mar. 2024 Socioeconomic status also plays a major role in healthy aging and longevity, with impoverished areas that have limited access to healthcare being the hardest hit. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 Travelers looking for more legroom will enjoy getting a 50 percent discount on all Delta Comfort+ seats thanks to Flying Blue Gold status. Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2024 On September 17, the sheriff’s office spoke with Card’s brother, asking him about the status of the guns and whether Card needed a psychiatric evaluation. Emma Tucker, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Additionally, the much anticipated Dolly Parton Experience will welcome guests in May, as an interactive exhibit that will follow the singer’s journey from Tennessee’s Locust Ridge and through to her superstar status on stages around the globe. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'status.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin — more at state

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of status was in 1767

Dictionary Entries Near status

Cite this Entry

“Status.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

status

noun
sta·​tus ˈstāt-əs How to pronounce status (audio) ˈstat- How to pronounce status (audio)
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 How to pronounce status (audio) ˈstat- How to pronounce status (audio)
plural statuses
: a particular state or condition
a patient's neurological status

Legal Definition

status

noun
sta·​tus ˈstā-təs, ˈsta- How to pronounce status (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on status

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