situation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a condition or position in which you find yourself

   the unpleasant situation (or position) of having to choose between two evils

2. 2
   noun

   a complex or critical or unusual difficulty

   the dangerous situation developed suddenly

3. 3
   noun

   The combination of circumstances at a given moment; a state of affairs.

   The United States is in an awkward situation with debt default looming.

4. 4
   noun

   The way in which something is positioned vis-à-vis its surroundings.

   The Botanical Gardens are in a delightful situation on the river bank.

5. 5
   noun

   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.

6. 6
   noun

   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!

7. 7
   noun

   A difficult or unpleasant set of circumstances; a problem.

   Boss, we've got a situation here…

8. 8
   noun

   An individual movie theater.

   This survey includes all key situations (including Paramount Gulf Theaters) as well as suburban runs and small-town situations.

Etymology

From Middle English situacioun, situacion, from Middle French situation, from Medieval Latin situatio (“position, situation”), from situare (“to locate, place”), from Latin situs (“a site”). By surface analysis, situate + -ion.