situation

noun

sit·​u·​a·​tion ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce situation (audio)
1
a
: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings
b
: site
c
archaic : locality
2
archaic : state of health
3
a
: position or place of employment : post entry 6, job
b
: position in life : status
4
: position with respect to conditions and circumstances
5
a
: relative position or combination of circumstances at a certain moment
b
: a critical, trying, or unusual state of affairs : problem
c
: a particular or striking complex of affairs at a stage in the action of a narrative or drama

Examples of situation in a Sentence

He's in a bad situation. You may find yourself in a situation where you lose control of the vehicle. How is your financial situation? I'm worried about the current political situation. My parents are retired and in a good situation. I have a situation that I have to deal with at the moment. The house is in a wonderful situation overlooking the valley.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other fans even modified Taylor Swift lyrics to fit the situation, showing off their creativity. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 22 May 2025 Additionally, insurance will help offset his actual cash salary in ’25-26 ($6 million), so the situation is not much skin off the Blues’ back. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 21 May 2025 When the season 7 reunion aired a year later, in October 2024, Tyler clarified the situation. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 May 2025 The worst-case scenario for Amazon, of course, would be a situation where the telecast was glitchy. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for situation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of situation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Situation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/situation. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

situation

noun
sit·​u·​a·​tion ˌsich-ə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce situation (audio)
1
a
: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings
2
a
: a position or place of employment : post, job
b
: position in life : status
3
: position with respect to conditions and circumstances
the military situation
4
: relative position or combination of events and conditions at a particular moment

Medical Definition

situation

noun
sit·​u·​a·​tion ˌsich-ə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce situation (audio)
1
: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings
2
: the total set of physical, social, and psychocultural factors that act upon an individual in orienting and conditioning his or her behavior
3
: relative position or combination of circumstances at a particular moment

More from Merriam-Webster on situation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!