SMEAC

Noun

situation (plural situations or (nonstandard, humorous) situatia)

1. The combination of circumstances at a given moment; a state of affairs.
   • The United States is in an awkward situation with debt default looming.

   Synonyms:

   condition

2. The way in which something is positioned vis-à-vis its surroundings.
   • The Botanical Gardens are in a delightful situation on the river bank.
3. The place in which something is situated; a location.
   • […] one of the most pleasant situations in America. With the exception of one melancholy season, no town in the union, of its size, has had a greater share of the inestimable blessing of health.1801, Timothy Alden, The Glory of America. A Century Sermon, Delivered at the South Church, in Portsmouth, Newhampshire ... Together with ... Historical Notes, and an Appendix, Containing an Account...
4. Position or status with regard to conditions and circumstances.
5. (UK) A position of employment; a post.
   • ‘Let me hear another sound from you,’ said Scrooge, ‘and you’ll keep your Christmas by losing your situation!1843, Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
6. A difficult or unpleasant set of circumstances; a problem.
   • Boss, we've got a situation here…

   Synonyms:

   ass in a sling, bind, bucket of syrup, calvary, cauldron, cross, cross to bear, difficulty, dilemma, dire straits

See all 8 meanings of situation