situation

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noun [countable] American English pronunciation: situation

/ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃ(ə)n/

singular	situation
plural	situations

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Metaphor

1
the set of conditions that exist at a particular time in a particular place
If the situation had been different, their plan might have succeeded.
concern about the current situation south of the border
as/if/when the situation arises (=when it happens):
We'll have to deal with overcrowding as the situation arises.
an economic/political/employment situation:
The country is facing a very difficult economic situation.
social situation (=any event where you talk with or meet a lot of people):
Social situations always make me nervous.
someone's situation (=the conditions that affect their life at a particular time):
What prospects are there for a person in his situation?
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of situation
2
formal a job
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of situation
3
formal the kind of area that surrounds a place, used especially by people who sell houses or property. A more usual word is location
The property has a magnificent situation in the mountains.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of situation

Metaphor: situation

Metaphor

Situations and states are like places. A pleasant/happy situation is safe, like your home, and a bad situation is like an unpleasant or dangerous place.

We are in a situation where there are no real winners.
In this work, the author is back on familiar territory.
It was time for her to leave the family nest.
I've felt at home since the moment I started working here.
He carved out a niche for himself within the company.
This is right up my street/alley.
The park is a haven for tired shoppers.
This town has always been a cultural desert.
That part of the city is nothing but a concrete jungle.
He spent many years in the political wilderness.
This is a potential minefield for beginners.
We have a very rocky road to travel.
I've been caught between a rock and a hard place.
We were left high and dry when they withdrew our funding.
He's in a tight spot.

➡ confused, difficulty, life, problem, strange

This is the American English definition of situation. View British English definition of situation.

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View the pronunciation for situation.

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