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

McDonald’s handling of the situation will be critical for how investors respond, according to Citigroup analyst Jon Tower. —Gerry Smith and Daniela Sirtori / Bloomberg, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024

In the hallways of those who work full-time doing software development, nasty arguments arise over this situation. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

That’s considered a better situation than what Chipotle saw with multiple foodborne illnesses affecting the Mexican fast-casual restaurant for several years in the 2010s. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024

When Rebecca Minkoff was in a sticky breastfeeding situation, her husband Gavin Bellour didn't hesitate to come to her rescue. —Esther Kang, People.com, 23 Oct. 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