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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Emergency responders from local, state, federal and tribal agencies were assessing the situation and preparing to deploy. 
Mike Baker, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022 The situation could lead to a big role for slot receiver Parris Campbell, the one starting receiver who is healthy. Nate Atkins, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2022 The ideal situation, DeLong says, would be a repeat of the recessions that hit the U.S. in the late 1940s and early 1950s, both of which were relatively short before inflation subsided. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2022 The situation brought Abreu to the plate with two outs and a runner on third. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 17 Sep. 2022 Moreover, officials say, Russia remains a untrustworthy negotiating partner and Putin’s war aims have shifted repeatedly as the tactical situation has evolved. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2022 Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talked about the Winfrey situation in their daily report. Dan Labbe, cleveland, 16 Sep. 2022 President Biden, speaking at a gala for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Thursday night, said his administration was dedicated to finding a solution but offered no concrete steps to further alleviate the situation. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2022 Putin voiced satisfaction that the cease-fire has held, but noted the situation remained tense. Avet Demourian, ajc, 16 Sep. 2022 See More
Mike Baker, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022 The situation could lead to a big role for slot receiver Parris Campbell, the one starting receiver who is healthy. Nate Atkins, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2022 The ideal situation, DeLong says, would be a repeat of the recessions that hit the U.S. in the late 1940s and early 1950s, both of which were relatively short before inflation subsided. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2022 The situation brought Abreu to the plate with two outs and a runner on third. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 17 Sep. 2022 Moreover, officials say, Russia remains a untrustworthy negotiating partner and Putin’s war aims have shifted repeatedly as the tactical situation has evolved. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2022 Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talked about the Winfrey situation in their daily report. Dan Labbe, cleveland, 16 Sep. 2022 President Biden, speaking at a gala for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Thursday night, said his administration was dedicated to finding a solution but offered no concrete steps to further alleviate the situation. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2022 Putin voiced satisfaction that the cease-fire has held, but noted the situation remained tense. Avet Demourian, ajc, 16 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing situation
Kids Definition
situation
noun
sit·u·a·tion ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-shən
1
: the combination of surrounding conditions
The situation at school is better than it was.
2
: a state of affairs that is urgent or difficult
We have a situation to deal with.
3
: place entry 1 sense 5
4
: position or place of employment : job
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
situation
noun
1
as in deal
position with regard to conditions and circumstances the school's situation is improving with additional financial help Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- deal
- status
- story
- scene
- posture
- picture
- footing
- state
- ball game
- standing
- rank
- place
- spot
- status quo
- score
2
as in position
an assignment at which one regularly works for pay there were the usual "situation wanted" postings in the local newspaper Synonyms & Similar Words
- position
- job
- place
- employment
- post
- capacity
- function
- connection
- appointment
- employ
- occupation
- work
- profession
- office
- berth
- business
- career
- task
- billet
- vocation
- living
- spot
- practice
- posting
- pursuit
- calling
- trade
- duty
- mission
- livelihood
- service
- racket
- engagement
- gig
- line
- practise
- lifework
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unemployment
- avocation
- joblessness
3
as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement in earlier times people were unable to alter their situation in life, so if you were born a servant, you stayed a servant he was pleased with his situation among his peers Synonyms & Similar Words
- position
- level
- place
- ranking
- rank
- echelon
- status
- standing
- degree
- footing
- station
- condition
- stratum
- reach(es)
- function
- order
- rung
- estate
- capacity
- walk
- rating