situation

noun

sit·​u·​a·​tion ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-shən 

1

a

: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings

b

: site

c

archaic : locality

2

archaic : state of health

3

a

: position or place of employment : post entry 6, job

b

: position in life : status

4

: position with respect to conditions and circumstances

5

a

: relative position or combination of circumstances at a certain moment

b

: a critical, trying, or unusual state of affairs : problem

c

: a particular or striking complex of affairs at a stage in the action of a narrative or drama

Synonyms

• ball game
• deal
• footing
• picture
• posture
• scene
• status
• story

Examples of situation in a Sentence

He's in a bad situation.

You may find yourself in a situation where you lose control of the vehicle.

How is your financial situation?

I'm worried about the current political situation.

My parents are retired and in a good situation.

I have a situation that I have to deal with at the moment.

The house is in a wonderful situation overlooking the valley.

Recent Examples on the Web

That situation has not changed, spokesperson Sherri McKinney said Thursday. —Frank Gluck, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024

In this situation, Short is a driver competing for the same parking spot as them at a mall on Christmas Eve. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024

With all that in mind, Leverkusen is now in a comfortable situation. —Manuel Veth, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

As for your current situation, omitting those women from future outings seems reasonable to Miss Manners. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing situation

• situation comedy
• situation ethics
• took charge of the situation

Kids Definition

situation

noun

sit·​u·​a·​tion ˌsich-ə-ˈwā-shən 

1

a

: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings

b

: site sense 1

2

a

: a position or place of employment : post, job

b

: position in life : status

3

: position with respect to conditions and circumstances

the military situation

4

: relative position or combination of events and conditions at a particular moment

Medical Definition

situation

noun

sit·​u·​a·​tion ˌsich-ə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings

2

: the total set of physical, social, and psychocultural factors that act upon an individual in orienting and conditioning his or her behavior

3

: relative position or combination of circumstances at a particular moment