Entry Word: situation

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 position with regard to conditions and circumstances <the school's situation is improving with additional financial help>

Synonyms footing, picture, posture, scene, status

Related Words rank, standing; place, spot, state; score, status quo

2 an assignment at which one regularly works for pay <there were the usual “situation wanted” postings in the local newspaper> — see job 1
3 the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement <in earlier times people were unable to alter their situation in life, so if you were born a servant, you stayed a servant> — see rank 1