DictionaryAI

situation

noun
sit-yoo-AY-shuhn/ˌsɪt.juːˈeɪ.ʃən/

Pluralsituations

6 meanings of situation

Practice

  1. 1
    circumstancesnouncountable
    The things that are happening at a certain time, or the conditions someone is living in.

    Like a photo that shows everything happening at one moment.

    The whole situation became clear once she explained what had happened.

    We talked about the situation at home over dinner.

    UsageYou are in a situation, often a difficult or awkward one.

    Note
  2. 2
    troublenouncountable
    A hard or bad set of things you have to deal with, like a problem.

    Like a knot that is hard to untie.

    We have a situation in the kitchen: the sink is flooding.

    Call me right away if a situation comes up while I am gone.

    UsageOn its own it can mean a problem: we have a situation.

    Similartrouble, problem, difficulty, predicament, jam

  3. 3
    locationnouncountable
    Where a building or place is, and what is around it.

    The hotel has a beautiful situation near the lake.

    The hotel has a lovely situation, right on the edge of the lake.

    Similarplace

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    jobnounUKcountable
    A job, especially one working in someone's home or for a company.

    She found a situation as a cook in a large country house.

    Every morning she checked the situations vacant column for a job.

    UsageOften a situation as a cook or maid. Job ads came under situations vacant.

    Similarposition, post, job, appointment

    Note
  2. 5
    outfitnounslangcountable
    An outfit, piece of clothing, or overall look, especially one that stands out.

    Like a costume that makes everyone stop and look.

    She showed up to the party in a whole situation: heels, sequins, and all.

    That long velvet coat is a serious situation.

    UsageOften said as a whole situation, about a big, bold look.

    Similarlook, outfit, getup, ensemble, fit

  3. 6
    nounUS
    One movie theater, counted on its own in the film business.
    This survey includes all key situations (including Paramount Gulf Theaters) as well as suburban runs and small-town situations.
    1950, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Ways and Means, Revenue Revision of 1950: Hearings Before the Committee

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of situation apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through Middle English and French from a Latin word for placing something, based on situs meaning 'a site'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts