single by choice
/ˈsɪŋɡəl baɪ tʃɔɪs/
CommonBeing single intentionally, not because no one is interested but because you prefer it.
Sometimes used genuinely to describe contentment with solo life. Sometimes used defensively after a breakup or rejection. Context from the speaker usually makes it clear which it is.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Single by choice. The options out here are not it. | The speaker has evaluated what is available and actively chosen not to pursue any of it. | x, 2024 |
| 02 | I've been single by choice for two years and honestly it's the most peaceful I've ever been. | Intentional singlehood has led to a better quality of life for the speaker. | tiktok, 2024 |
| 03 | Stop asking me why I'm single. I'm single by choice. My standards just don't budge. | High standards are framed as the reason for singlehood rather than a lack of interest from others. | instagram, 2023 |
| 04 | Single by choice hits different when you actually believe it vs when you say it after a breakup. | The phrase means something different when it comes from genuine peace versus as a coping mechanism. | reddit, 2024 |
Use it when
- Someone is single intentionally and wants to communicate that it is a decision, not a default.
- Pushing back on questions about why you are not in a relationship.
- Describing a period of intentional time alone after a relationship.
- Explaining that you are not actively looking right now.
Do not use it when
- You are saying it to justify avoiding intimacy rather than genuinely embracing singlehood.
Origin and context
Phrase that gained wide use in online self-improvement and empowerment content in the early 2020s, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, as part of a broader discourse around choosing solo living intentionally.
- First seen
- early-2020s
- Confidence
- medium
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Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/single-by-choiceUpdated: 2026-08-28License: CC BY 4.0