state
noun
uk/steɪt/ us [ C, usually singular ]
the condition that someone or something is in at a particular time:
The offices were in a state of disrepair.
The index for capital goods production is a key indicator of the state of the economy.
They commented on the poor state of the company's finances.
Some economists are predicting that public finances will return to a healthy state within five years.
They are paid a stable, fair price, regardless of the current state of the market.
state of affairs
a situation:
Poor decisions by the board bear most of the responsibility for this sorry state of affairs.
the state of play UK
the present situation:
The meeting reviewed the state of play in each market.
[ C ] GOVERNMENT (also State)
a country with its own government:
the West African State of Ghana
The legislation requires the agreement of every one of the EU's member states.
In December 1991, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was broken up into fifteen independent states.
[ C ] GOVERNMENT (also State)
a part of a large country such as Australia, Germany, or the US that has its own government:
The German federal states have a large degree of autonomy.
the northern/southern/eastern/western states of the US
The company operates hospitals in 12 states, including Texas and California.
The Navajo reservation stretches from Arizona into two neighbouring states.
[ U or S ] GOVERNMENT (also the state); (also the State)
the government of a country:
funded/provided/run by the state
affairs/matters of state
The government was determined to reduce the number of state-owned industries.
They hope to reduce dependence on the state by paying benefits only to those whose income falls below a new, higher tax threshold.
the States [ plural ] informal
used to refer to the United States of America:
If they wish to work in the States again, they must show proof of employment with a US-based employer.
See also
corporate state
welfare state
state
verb [ T ]
uk/steɪt/ usto say or write something, especially when it is done clearly and carefully:
Our warranty clearly states the limits of our liability.
state that The rules state that the directors are required by law to prepare financial statements for each financial period.
Make your claim in writing, stating your full name and address.
state a fact/opinion I wasn't criticizing the way you run the department; I was merely stating facts.
[ usually passive ]
to give or agree the details of something:
a stated commitment/goal The central bank's stated goal is to keep the inflation rate between 1 and 3%.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate.
A fund with a 50% turnover has bought and sold half of the value of its total investment portfolio during the stated period.
state
adjective [ before noun ]
GOVERNMENT (also State) uk/steɪt/ usprovided, owned, or done by the government of a country:
state companies/enterprises/monopolies The main ports are owned by state economic enterprises.
state education/a state school
state subsidies
relating to a particular state of a country, especially the US:
state agencies/employees/legislature