noun
BAD : Most females want to continue their careers after marriage.
GOOD : Most women want to continue their careers after marriage.
BAD : In 1992 she won the female marathon in Athens.
GOOD : In 1992 she won the women's marathon in Athens.
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Female is used mainly in scientific or technical styles: 'The male birds are usually more colourful than the females.' 'The female butterfly does not require additional salts.'
Female is sometimes used to refer to a woman or girl, but many people find this use of the word offensive.