dire straits

American  

[dahyuhr streyts] / 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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dire straits

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

After a long career as a college professor in Camagüey, Maria Antonia Borroto didn’t think she would ever be in such dire straits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

Industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's steel-making business, already in dire straits due to fierce Asian competition, said in a statement to AFP that a "permanently higher gas price would have an impact on production costs".

From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026

From 91-9, England were in dire straits but, just as they had with the ball, Atkinson and Tongue combined with the bat.

From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2025

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