Words / A2

un-MAR-eed/ˌʌnˈmærid/

Unmarried means not married: an unmarried couple, still unmarried, unmarried name. Single is a close everyday cousin (not in a relationship, or not married — check context). Married is the opposite. Divorced and widowed are different situations. Do not write unmarried when you mean married, or unmarred (not damaged — rare).

Meaning

Not married.

Examples

• “Her unmarried sister lives in Manchester.”
• “The form asks if you are married or unmarried.”
• “Her unmarried brother still lives with their parents.”

Good to know

an unmarried couple / still unmarried. Cousin: single. Opposite: married. Mix-up: divorced (different).

Near in meaning

single

New