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

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

If you’re not in dire straits financially, keep full ownership of your home.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 21, 2026

I would be in the direst of dire straits, facing a bleak future, when some small thing, some detail, would transform itself and appear in my mind in a new light.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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