situation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
    state of affairs.
    • the present international situation is dangerous
    • wondered how such a state of affairs had come about
    • eternal truths will be neither true nor eternal unless they have fresh meaning for every new social situation"- Franklin D.Roosevelt
  2. noun a condition or position in which you find yourself
    position.
    • the unpleasant situation (or position) of having to choose between two evils
    • found herself in a very fortunate situation
  3. noun a complex or critical or unusual difficulty
    • the dangerous situation developed suddenly
    • that's quite a situation
    • no human situation is simple
  4. noun physical position in relation to the surroundings
    site.
    • the sites are determined by highly specific sequences of nucleotides
  5. noun a job in an organization
    berth; office; billet; spot; place; position; post.
    • he occupied a post in the treasury

WordNet

Sit`u*a"tion noun
Etymology
LL. situatio: cf. F. situation.
Definitions
  1. Manner in which an object is placed; location, esp. as related to something else; position; locality site; as, a house in a pleasant situation.
  2. Position, as regards the conditions and circumstances of the case.
    A situation of the greatest ease and tranquillity. Rogers.
  3. Relative position; circumstances; temporary state or relation at a moment of action which excites interest, as of persons in a dramatic scene.
    There's situation for you! there's an heroic group! Sheridan.
  4. Permanent position or employment; place; office; as, a situation in a store; a situation under government. Syn. -- State; position; seat; site; station; post; place; office; condition; case; plight. See State.

Webster 1913