situation
//ˌsɪt.juːˈeɪ.ʃən//
Forms
- Plural
- situations
Definitions
1.The combination of circumstances at a given moment; a state of affairs.
- The United States is in an awkward situation with debt default looming.
- By 29, my financial situation wasn’t just disorganized, it was untenable. I didn’t have enough money to cover a single unexpected expense, and my credit card balance wasn’t going down; the interest was outpacing me.
2.The way in which something is positioned vis-à-vis its surroundings.
- The Botanical Gardens are in a delightful situation on the river bank.
3.The place in which something is situated; a location.
4.Position or status with regard to conditions and circumstances.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #560
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English situacioun, situacion, from Middle French situation, from Medieval Latin situatio (“position, situation”), from situare (“to locate, place”), from Latin situs (“a site”).
By surface analysis, situate + -ion.