marital status

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.