Definition of 'situation'

Word Frequency

situation

(sɪtʃueɪʃən )

Word forms: situations

countable noun

You use situation to refer generally to what is happening in a particular place at a particular time, or to refer to what is happening to you.

Army officers said the situation was under control.

And now for a look at the travel situation in the rest of the country.

Video: pronunciation of 'situation'

Word Frequency

situation in American

(ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən ; sichˌo̅oāˈshən)

noun

manner in which a thing is situated in relation to its surroundings; location; position

a place; locality

position or condition with regard to circumstances

the combination of circumstances at any given time

a difficult or critical state of affairs

any significant combination of circumstances developing in the course of a novel, play, etc.

d. Psychology

the objective conditions immediately affecting an individual

a position of employment

SIMILAR WORDS: poˈsition, state

Derived forms

situational (ˌsituˈational)

adjective

Word origin of 'situation'

LME setuacyon < ML situatio: see situate

Word Frequency

situation in British

(ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən )

noun

physical placement, esp with regard to the surroundings

state of affairs; combination of circumstances

a complex or critical state of affairs in a novel, play, etc

social or financial status, position, or circumstances

a position of employment; post

▶ USAGE Situation is often used in contexts in which it is redundant or imprecise. Typical examples are: the company is in a crisis situation or people in a job situation. In the first example, situation does not add to the meaning and should be omitted. In the second example, it would be clearer and more concise to substitute a phrase such as people at work

Derived forms

situational (ˌsituˈational)

adjective

Example sentences containing 'situation'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Walk away with your head held high by taking control of the situation. The Sun (2006)You see all kinds of situations clearly and learn what people actually do matters more than promises. The Sun (2008)We are in a strong financial situation and we are mentally strong. The Sun (2012)Two weeks ago the situation looked one way. The Sun (2011)It was not the ideal situation for a country at war. Richard Ingrams The Life and Adventures of William Cobbett (2005)This is obviously not the situation regarding the social sciences. Henry, John F The Making of Neoclassical Economics (1990)You can be the peacemaker at work or in a complex family situation. The Sun (2008)They took cover in a farm house but arrival of an enemy platoon made the situation hopeless. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Only when the situation is critical do they seek help. Times, Sunday Times (2014)It would make more sense to let the people stay and pay rent until their situation improves. The Sun (2009)My friend took control of the situation and led us both upstairs. The Sun (2010)We can see the political pressures that lead to this kind of situation happening. Times, Sunday Times (2013)The first is to be honest about the financial situation. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Make your own list by thinking of the situations you looked at before. Cohen, Julian & Kay, James Taking Drugs Seriously (1994)Open your mind and heart to what the mediator has to say regarding the situation. Christianity Today (2000)The actual situations are more complex than you think. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Making the best out of a hopeless situation but he has still failed to convince the nation. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Then your doctor should be able to give you a clearer idea about your particular situation. The Sun (2016)There is no doubt that the employment situation in my home county is dire. Times, Sunday Times (2011)But the battle is far from over and the situation remains critical. The Sun (2013)For others in such a position, the situation can be extremely difficult. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The loss of your husband, and the situation in your country. Paige, Frances The Glasgow Girls (1994)There is logic too, but the trouble is that neither company is approaching the situation from a position of strength. Times, Sunday Times (2006)