/ ˈsteɪtəs; NAmE ; NAmE also ˈstætəs/ noun [ usually sing. ]
1.
[ U , C ] the legal position of a person, group or country :
They were granted refugee status.
The party was denied legal status.
2.
[ U , C , usually sing. ] the social or professional position of sb/sth in relation to others :
low status jobs
to have a high social status
Women are only asking to be given equal status with men.
She achieved celebrity status overnight.
3.
[ U ] high rank or social position :
The job brings with it status and a high income.
4.
[ U , C , usually sing. ] the level of importance that is given to sth :
the high status accorded to science in our culture
5.
[ U ] the situation at a particular time during a process :
What is the current status of our application for funds?
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WORD ORIGIN
late 18th cent. (as a legal term meaning legal standing ): from Latin , literally standing , from stare to stand.