Unmarried in Marital Status vs. Single in Marital Status — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 3, 2023
"Unmarried" in marital status means not currently in a marital union, while "Single" refers specifically to never having been married. Both terms indicate an absence of a spouse.
Difference Between Unmarried in Marital Status and Single in Marital Status
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In the context of marital status, "Unmarried" broadly denotes an individual who is not currently in any marital union, irrespective of their past marital history. "Single" in marital status, on the other hand, is a specific term implying the person has never been married at any point in their life.
"Unmarried in Marital Status" can encompass various categories. It might include individuals who were once married but are now divorced, widowed, or separated. Hence, it carries a broader connotation. "Single in Marital Status," however, only pertains to those who have not entered a marital bond ever.
At times, "Unmarried" and "Single" are used interchangeably in informal contexts or discussions, but their precise meanings differ. When filling out formal documents or applications, one might find "Single" as an option under marital status to specifically indicate they've never been wed.
The importance of distinguishing between "Unmarried" and "Single" arises in certain legal, medical, or official circumstances where marital history may be relevant. While "Unmarried" leaves some ambiguity regarding past marital experiences, "Single" clearly states the absence of any such history.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Not currently in a marital union.
Never been in a marital union.
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Includes
Divorced, separated, widowed, or never married.
Only those who have never been married.
Indicates
Absence of a current spouse.
Absence of any past or present spouse.
Usage
Broader term in formal documentation.
Specific term indicating no marital history.
Ambiguity
May not reveal past marital history.
Clearly reveals absence of any marital history.
Compare with Definitions
Unmarried in Marital Status
Might have been married in the past.
His status as Unmarried didn't reveal if he was previously married.
Single in Marital Status
Has never entered a marital union.
At 25, she was still Single in Marital Status.
Unmarried in Marital Status
Not currently bound in a marital union.
After the divorce, she was listed as Unmarried in Marital Status.
Single in Marital Status
Exclusively for those never wedded.
The form had an option for Single in Marital Status, which she ticked.
Unmarried in Marital Status
Indicates no current spouse.
She checked 'Unmarried' as she didn't have a spouse at present.
Single in Marital Status
Often used in official documentation.
His passport indicated he was Single in Marital Status.
Unmarried in Marital Status
Encompasses those who are separated or widowed.
Being widowed also categorizes one as Unmarried in Marital Status.
Single in Marital Status
No history of marriage.
His records showed he was Single in Marital Status, with no past unions.
Unmarried in Marital Status
Can be used for someone never wedded.
Even at 40, he remained Unmarried in Marital Status.
Single in Marital Status
Clearly indicates absence of any spouse ever.
Being Single in Marital Status, he didn't have a wedding ring.
Common Curiosities
What does "Unmarried in Marital Status" mean?
It means the individual is not currently in any marital union, regardless of past marital history.
Is "Unmarried" always indicative of never having been married?
No, "Unmarried" can also include divorced, separated, or widowed individuals.
Can a divorced person be termed "Single in Marital Status"?
No, a divorced person is "Unmarried," but not "Single."
Can someone widowed be considered "Single in Marital Status"?
No, they would be "Unmarried" but not "Single."
Is "Single in Marital Status" the same as "Unmarried"?
No, "Single" specifically means the person has never been married, while "Unmarried" is broader.
Why is it important to differentiate between the two terms?
In certain legal or official contexts, marital history may be relevant.
Which term is broader in scope?
"Unmarried in Marital Status" is broader than "Single in Marital Status."
How should someone separated but not divorced identify?
They would typically identify as "Unmarried."
Can a person who was once married but is now widowed be "Single"?
No, they would be "Unmarried" but not "Single."
How are these terms typically used in official contexts?
"Single" is used to indicate no marital history, while "Unmarried" suggests no current spouse but leaves ambiguity regarding past marital history.
Do all formal documents differentiate between "Single" and "Unmarried"?
Not always, but some documents, especially legal ones, might make the distinction.
Does "Single in Marital Status" imply the person has never been engaged?
No, it only indicates they've never been legally married.
Is there a term for those who've been married multiple times?
Yes, it's often referred to as "Remarried" if they're currently married.
Can "Unmarried" and "Single" be used interchangeably in casual conversation?
While they might be used interchangeably, their precise meanings differ.
What is the key difference between the two terms?
"Unmarried" doesn't specify past marital history, while "Single" denotes no marital history at all.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
