Synonyms

dire straits

American

[dahyuhr streyts] / ˈdaɪər ˈstreɪts /

plural noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of dire straits

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

dire straits

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

Facing a tricky chase of 165 against Pakistan at the Pallekele stadium in Kandy, England could have been in dire straits when they lost Phil Salt first ball of the innings.

From Barron's ● Feb. 25, 2026

Canham-Clyne said Chipotle is not yet in dire straits.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 12, 2026

He wasn’t sure if it was because he was in dire straits or because he was beginning to understand that the magic was there for him.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023