status
noun
sta·tus
ˈstÄ-tÉ™s 
ˈsta-
ˈsta-
plural statuses
often attributive
1
a
: position or rank when compared to others in a society, organization, group, etc.
the book's best-seller status
efforts to maintain the city's status as a major tourist attraction
socioeconomic status
Archaeology has high status because it is considered a hard science relative to other branches of social studies.—
Mark A. Blumler
Mark A. Blumler… became successful at a time when chefs in America began to be given celebrity status …—Michael Roberts
Michael Roberts
b
: relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige
especially
: high prestige
married a person of status and wealth
This job brings with it a measure of status.
2
: the official situation of a person or thing according to the law
immigration status
… senior IRS officials … ruled that the project was not entitled to tax-exempt status …—David Burnham
David Burnham… fighting an uphill battle to gain refugee status in Canada.—Daniel Eisenberg
Daniel Eisenberg3
: the current state or condition of someone or something with respect to circumstances
the status of the negotiations/project
employment/relationship status
The manager asked for a status report.
… always check with your airline about the status of your flight …—Jessica Puckett
Jessica PuckettExamples 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 approach sets Fetterman apart from Manchin and Sinema, who routinely used their swing vote status to extract concessions or shape legislation.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Impacts on long-term labor force Removing these programs from the list of professional status degrees that qualify for higher loans delivers both a symbolic and financial blow to the essential services that support survivors of domestic violence.
—Kaelyn Lara, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
In his conversation with Tharpe, Jay-Z also discussed his evolving discography, shared his take on the 2024 rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and his billionaire status (and the criticism that entails).
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The Esports Foundation has unveiled the organizations and individuals awarded National Team Partner status for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, which is due to take place in the Saudi capital of Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for status
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Impacts on long-term labor force Removing these programs from the list of professional status degrees that qualify for higher loans delivers both a symbolic and financial blow to the essential services that support survivors of domestic violence.
—Kaelyn Lara, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
In his conversation with Tharpe, Jay-Z also discussed his evolving discography, shared his take on the 2024 rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and his billionaire status (and the criticism that entails).
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The Esports Foundation has unveiled the organizations and individuals awarded National Team Partner status for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, which is due to take place in the Saudi capital of Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for status
Cite this Entry
“Status.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
status
noun
sta·tus
ˈstÄt-É™s
ˈstat-
ˈstat-
Medical Definition
status
noun
sta·tus
ˈstÄt-É™s
ˈstat-
ˈstat-
plural statuses
: a particular state or condition
a patient's neurological status
Legal Definition
status
noun
sta·tus
ˈstÄ-tÉ™s, 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
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