What does singleness mean?
Singleness is the noun for the state of being unmarried, particularly when viewed as a sustained condition rather than merely a temporary status. In contemporary English, it can carry positive associations of independence, privacy, and the freedom to devote oneself to a career, interest, or chosen way of life. It may also suggest religious or personal celibacy, although it is broader because it does not necessarily imply abstention from sexual relationships. A less common meaning concerns unity or concentration of purpose, as in “singleness of aim.” The word is more formal and descriptive than simply “being single,” and its connotations vary with context: it can sound purposeful and admirable, or occasionally restrictive or old-fashioned. Its distinction from “unmarried” is grammatical: one is a noun naming a state, while the other is an adjective characterizing a person or situation.
The state of being unmarried, especially as a way of life.
"She valued the freedom and independence of her singleness."
Often used when unmarried status is viewed as deliberate, prolonged, or characteristic of a way of life.
Concentration or unity of purpose.
"He approached the project with singleness of purpose."
This is a formal and comparatively uncommon sense, normally encountered in the phrase “singleness of purpose” or “singleness of aim.”
The plural is grammatically formed but rarely used, since references are normally singular.
"The study compared the singlenesses of several religious communities."
What was once merely a description of marital status became a vocabulary word with associations of independence, discipline, and self-direction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singleness come from?
Singleness derives from Middle English adjectival forms meaning “single,” ultimately related to Latin singulus, meaning “one” or “individual.” The modern noun developed from the older English base single and uses the suffix -ness, a Germanic formation common in words such as darkness and kindness. Related forms include singular, singly, and singleton, all of which ultimately reflect the same ancient root.
How singleness is actually used
In modern use, singleness most often denotes the condition of being unmarried and may suggest either chosen independence or a state preceding marriage. The expression singleness of purpose is formal and comparatively uncommon.
Easily confused with singleness
Singleness is the noun naming the state of not being married, whereas unmarried is the adjective describing someone or something in that state.
Single describes an individual person or entity, while singleness names the condition or state involved.