status symbol

American  

noun

1. an object, habit, etc., by which the social or economic status of the possessor may be judged.

---

status symbol British  

noun

1. a possession which is regarded as proof of the owner's social position, wealth, prestige, etc

---

status symbol Idioms  

1. A position or activity that allows one's social prestige to be displayed, as in She doesn't even drive; that car of hers is purely a status symbol. [Mid-1900s]

---

Example Sentences

“I don’t have a pair, so I’m not important enough,” Mato confessed, seeming to confirm that Florsheims have become something of a status symbol inside the administration.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

It has become somewhat of a status symbol amongst employees to be tokenmaxxing to prove that you’re going above and beyond to meet key performance indicators.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

When a high number of people admire a luxury company, even if they can’t afford to own its goods, it cements its value as a status symbol.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

My car wasn't a top-of-the range status symbol.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Sacks containing chemicals designed to rid the lawn of such despised vegetation have become almost a status symbol.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson