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

The Florida Highway Patrol announced in a news release that the active shooter situation began on Monday, April 8, as 22-year-old Taylon Nichelle Celestine entered Florida's Interstate 10 at the 112-mile marker driving a purple Challenger. —Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

The situation in Brazil is just the latest instance of Musk aligning himself with and platforming dangerous, far-right movements around the world, experts tell WIRED. —Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 9 Apr. 2024

Nearly 70% of California Latinos in a February 2024 PPIC poll said the situation at the border is a crisis or a very serious problem. —Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024

Moore’s in-person lobbying is part of a multi-pronged effort that seeks to involve all 10 members of the Maryland congressional delegation, including its lone Republican, Rep. Andy Harris, according to three people with knowledge of the situation. —Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

One of the ironies of the situation is that the first public statement from Meta came Thursday evening on X, site formerly known as Twitter. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

During this, Thompson said, an officer saw the man make actions consistent with someone drawing a firearm and attempted to diffuse the situation before shooting him. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2024

But the reality of the situation is a tad more dire. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2024

The situation has only intensified in the years since, with conservative candidates and personalities launching challenges and criticism at Maricopa County before, during and after the 2022 election. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 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