situation

[sich-oo-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. manner of being situated; location or position with reference to environment.

   The situation of the house allowed for a beautiful view.

   Synonyms: site

2. a place or locality.

3. condition; case; plight.

   He is in a desperate situation.

4. the state of affairs; combination of circumstances.

   The present international situation is dangerous.

5. a position or post of employment; job.

6. a state of affairs of special or critical significance in the course of a play, novel, etc.

7. Sociology.,  the aggregate of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors acting on an individual or group to condition behavioral patterns.

situation

/ ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. physical placement, esp with regard to the surroundings

2. 1. state of affairs; combination of circumstances

   2. a complex or critical state of affairs in a novel, play, etc

3. social or financial status, position, or circumstances

4. a position of employment; post

Usage

Situation is often used in contexts in which it is redundant or imprecise. Typical examples are: the company is in a crisis situation or people in a job situation. In the first example, situation does not add to the meaning and should be omitted. In the second example, it would be clearer and more concise to substitute a phrase such as people at work

Other Word Forms

• situational adjective
• situationally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of situation¹

First recorded in 1480–90, situation is from the Medieval Latin word situātiōn- (stem of situātiō ). See situate, -ion

Idioms and Phrases

see no-win situation.

Synonym Study

See state. See position.

Example Sentences

“It gives us a superpower in connecting with people who’ve been injured in car accidents so we can serve them and place them with the right attorney for their situation,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

He said people could still feel remorse but "lapse" in certain situations.

From BBC

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board isn’t fully funded or staffed, as is now the case — a situation that has worried some locals and environmental groups.

From Los Angeles Times

These critics believe focusing on mockery distracts from the gravity of the situation and may undermine more serious resistance efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

And whether he will be thrown into such a high-leverage situation his next time out remains to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• case 
• condition 
• place 
• plight 
• position 
• scene