A person's
marital status indicates whether the person is
married or
single. It may also apply in some jurisdictions to alternative relationships, such as civil unions and de facto relationships. Questions about marital status appear on many polls and forms, including
censuses. The question has historically also appeared in job applications and
credit card applications and similar contexts, though the practice is increasing regarded as anachronistic, as an answer would normally not be relevant to the consideration of the merits of an application and may in fact be considered unlawful
discrimination in some countries.