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.
She's in a hopeless situation.
If you want to improve your situation you must adopt a positive mental attitude.
2. countable noun
The situation of a building or town is the kind of surroundings that it has.
[formal]
The garden is in a beautiful situation.
Synonyms: location, place, setting, position More Synonyms of situation
3.
See situations vacant
More Synonyms of situation
situation in British English
(ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən)
noun
1.
physical placement, esp with regard to the surroundings
2.
a.
state of affairs; combination of circumstances
b.
a complex or critical state of affairs in a novel, play, etc
3.
social or financial status, position, or circumstances
4.
a position of employment; post
▶ USAGE Situation is often used in contexts in which it is redundant or imprecise. Typical examplesare: 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 wouldbe clearer and more concise to substitute a phrase such as people at work
Derived forms
situational (ˌsituˈational)
adjective
situation in American English
(ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən)
noun
1.
manner in which a thing is situated in relation to its surroundings; location; position
2.
a place; locality
3.
position or condition with regard to circumstances
4.
a.
the combination of circumstances at any given time
b.
a difficult or critical state of affairs
c.
any significant combination of circumstances developing in the course of a novel, play, etc.
d. Psychology
the objective conditions immediately affecting an individual
5.
a position of employment
SIMILAR WORDS: poˈsition, state
Derived forms
situational (ˌsituˈational)
adjective
Word origin
LME setuacyon < ML situatio: see situate
COBUILD Collocations
situation
assess the situation
avoid a situation
calm the situation
certain situations
challenging situation
change the situation
clarify the situation
complex situation
current situation
defuse the situation
discuss the situation
economic situation
explain the situation
extreme situation
financial situation
ideal situation
improve the situation
inflame the situation
monitor the situation
political situation
precarious situation
present situation
pressure situation
rectify the situation
remedy the situation
resolve the situation
security situation
social situations
specific situation
sticky situation
stressful situation
tense situation
tricky situation
understand the situation
unique situation
unusual situation
volatile situation
whole situation
win-win situation
worsen the situation
Examples of 'situation' in a sentence
situation
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)
In other languages
situation
British English: situation /ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən/ NOUN
You use situation to refer generally to what is happening at a particular place and time, or to refer to what is happening to you.
Army officers said the situation was under control.
American English: situation
Arabic: حَالَة
Brazilian Portuguese: situação
Chinese: 情况
Croatian: situacija
Czech: situace
Danish: situation
Dutch: situatie
European Spanish: situación
Finnish: tilanne
French: situation circonstances
German: Situation
Greek: κατάσταση
Italian: situazione
Japanese: 状況
Korean: 상황
Norwegian: situasjon
Polish: sytuacja
European Portuguese: situação
Romanian: situație
Russian: ситуация
Latin American Spanish: situación
Swedish: situation
Thai: สถานการณ์
Turkish: durum
Ukrainian: ситуація
Vietnamese: hoàn cảnh
All related terms of 'situation'
ideal situation
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.
situation room
a room at a military or political headquarters where the latest information on a military or political situation is channeled
tense situation
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.
whole situation
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.
complex situation
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.
current situation
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.
economic situation
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.
extreme situation
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.
present situation
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.
pressure situation
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.
security situation
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.
situation comedy
A situation comedy is an amusing television drama series about a set of characters. The abbreviation → sitcom is also used.
situation ethics
a theory of ethics according to which moral rules are not absolutely binding but may be modified in the light of specific situations
specific situation
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.
sticky situation
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.
tricky situation
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.
unique situation
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.
unusual situation
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.
volatile situation
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.
avoid a situation
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.
calm the situation
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.
challenging situation
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.
financial situation
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.
no-win situation
a situation offering no possibility of a favourable outcome
political situation
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.
precarious situation
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.
stressful situation
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.
win-win situation
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.
assess the situation
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.
change the situation
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.
clarify the situation
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.
defuse the situation
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.
discuss the situation
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.
explain the situation
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.
improve the situation
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.
inflame the situation
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.
monitor the situation
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.
rectify the situation
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.
remedy the situation
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.
resolve the situation
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.
worsen the situation
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.
understand the situation
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.
a chicken and egg situation
If you describe a situation as a chicken and egg situation, you mean that it is impossible to decide which of two things caused the other one.
⇒ The city is in a beautiful situation.这座城市环境优美。 (Zhè zuò chéngshì huánjìng yōuměi.)
(o.f., = job) 工作 (gōngzuò)
⇒ It's not so easy to find another situation.另找份工作并不那么容易。 (Lìng zhǎo fèn gōngzuò bìng bù nàme róngyì.)
"situations vacant" (Brit) "招聘" ("zhāopìn")
美 = Employment
1 (noun)
Definition
state of affairs
We are in a difficult financial situation.
Synonyms
position
He's going to be in a difficult position if things go badly.
state
You shouldn't be lifting heavy things in your state.
case
In extreme cases, insurance companies can prosecute for fraud.
condition
The government has to encourage people to better their condition.
circumstances
equation
plight
the plight of Third World countries plagued by debts
status quo
state of affairs
ball game (informal)
kettle of fish (informal)
2 (noun)
Definition
state of affairs
They looked at each other and weighed up the situation.
Synonyms
scenario
That apocalyptic scenario cannot be ruled out.
the picture (informal)
the score (informal)
He knows the score.
state of affairs
This state of affairs cannot continue for too long.
equation
state of play
lie of the land
3 (noun)
Definition
location and surroundings
The garden is in a beautiful situation.
Synonyms
location
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
place
the place where the temple actually stood
setting
The house is in a lovely setting in the hills.
position
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
seat
Gunfire broke out around the seat of government.
site
the site of Moses' tomb
spot
They returned to the remote spot where they had left him.
locality
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
locale
An amusement park is the perfect locale for adventures.
4 (noun)
Definition
a position of employment
Synonyms
job
the pressure of being the first woman in the job
place
All the candidates won places on the ruling council.
office
the honour and dignity of the office of President
position
He took up a position with the Arts Council.
post
Sir Peter has held several senior military posts.
employment
She was unable to find employment in the area.
berth (informal)
some of the players who tried for a berth on the team
5 (noun)
Synonyms
status
promoted to the status of foreman
station
The vast majority knew their station in life and kept to it.
rank
He eventually rose to the rank of captain.
sphere
life outside academic spheres of society
Usage note
It is common to hear the word situation used in sentences such as the company is in a crisis situation. This use of situation is considered bad style and the word should be left out, since it adds nothing to the sentence's meaning.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of berth
some of the players who tried for a berth on the team
Synonyms
job,
position,
post,
situation,
employment,
appointment,
living
in the sense of case
Definition
a specific condition or state of affairs
In extreme cases, insurance companies can prosecute for fraud.
Synonyms
situation,
event,
circumstance(s),
state,
position,
condition,
context,
dilemma,
plight,
contingency,
predicament
in the sense of condition
Definition
a particular state of being
The government has to encourage people to better their condition.
Synonyms
situation,
state,
position,
status,
circumstances,
plight,
status quo,
case,
predicament
Synonyms of 'situation'
situation
Explore 'situation' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of employment
Definition
a person's work or occupation
She was unable to find employment in the area.
Synonyms
job,
work,
business,
position,
trade,
post,
situation,
employ,
calling,
profession,
occupation,
pursuit,
vocation,
métier
in the sense of locale
Definition
the place where something happens or has happened
An amusement park is the perfect locale for adventures.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
position,
spot,
scene,
location,
venue,
locality,
locus
in the sense of locality
Definition
the site or scene of an event
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
position,
spot,
scene,
location,
locale
in the sense of office
Definition
a position of trust or authority, as in a government
the honour and dignity of the office of President
Synonyms
post,
place,
role,
work,
business,
service,
charge,
situation,
commission,
station,
responsibility,
duty,
function,
employment,
capacity,
appointment,
occupation
in the sense of place
Definition
any building or area set aside for a specific purpose
the place where the temple actually stood
Synonyms
spot,
point,
position,
site,
area,
situation,
station,
location,
venue,
whereabouts,
locus
in the sense of place
All the candidates won places on the ruling council.
Synonyms
job,
position,
post,
situation,
office,
employment,
appointment,
berth (informal),
billet (informal)
in the sense of plight
Definition
a dangerous or difficult situation
the plight of Third World countries plagued by debts
Synonyms
difficulty,
condition,
state,
situation,
trouble,
circumstances,
dilemma,
straits,
predicament,
extremity,
perplexity
in the sense of post
Definition
a position to which a person is appointed
Sir Peter has held several senior military posts.
Synonyms
job,
place,
office,
position,
situation,
employment,
appointment,
assignment,
berth (informal),
billet (informal)
in the sense of rank
Definition
a position within a social organization
He eventually rose to the rank of captain.
Synonyms
status,
level,
position,
grade,
order,
standing,
sort,
quality,
type,
station,
division,
degree (archaic),
classification,
echelon
in the sense of seat
Definition
the place or centre in which something is based
Gunfire broke out around the seat of government.
Synonyms
centre,
place,
site,
heart,
capital,
situation,
source,
station,
location,
headquarters,
axis,
cradle,
hub
Additional synonyms
in the sense of setting
Definition
the scenery, properties, or background used to create the location for a stage play or film
The house is in a lovely setting in the hills.
Synonyms
surroundings,
site,
location,
set,
scene,
surround,
background,
frame,
context,
perspective,
backdrop,
scenery,
locale,
mise en scène
in the sense of site
Definition
the piece of ground where something was, is, or is intended to be located
the site of Moses' tomb
Synonyms
location,
place,
setting,
point,
position,
situation,
spot,
whereabouts,
locus
in the sense of sphere
Definition
people of the same rank or with shared interests
life outside academic spheres of society
Synonyms
rank,
class,
station,
status,
stratum
in the sense of spot
Definition
a location
They returned to the remote spot where they had left him.
Synonyms
place,
situation,
site,
point,
position,
scene,
location,
locality
in the sense of state
Definition
the condition or circumstances of a person or thing
You shouldn't be lifting heavy things in your state.
Synonyms
circumstances,
situation,
position,
case,
pass,
mode,
plight,
predicament
in the sense of state of affairs
Definition
circumstances or condition
This state of affairs cannot continue for too long.
Synonyms
situation,
state,
circumstances,
scenario,
equation,
plight,
status quo
in the sense of station
Definition
position in society
The vast majority knew their station in life and kept to it.