dire straits

American  

[dahyuhr strayts] / ˈdaɪər ˈstreɪts /

plural noun

1. very difficult circumstances.

   With inflation so high, I've been talking to many more people lately who are in dire straits.

   Once facing dire straits, the theater has bounced back since producing this hit show.

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Etymology

Origin of dire straits

First recorded in 1805–15

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dire straits

But he does stress that the smallest seed of hope is what allows us to maintain our humanity, compassion and desire for companionship, even in the most dire straits.

From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2026

Bye - who has a six-year-old dalmatian, two springer spaniels and a cat - said her family were "financially stable" when they got their pets but a year later were in "dire straits".

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Getting to see one is a special occasion, he said, especially given the dire straits the fish are in worldwide.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026

Though not in dire straits, it isn’t exactly healthy, either.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 21, 2026

I tell you, if you were in such dire straits as I was, you too would elevate your thoughts.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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