Situation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-shən/ sit·u·a·tion

Meaning & Definition of Situation

Situation (noun)

  1. the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings
  2. site
  3. locality

Situation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. position with regard to conditions and circumstances

    "the school's situation is improving with additional financial help"

    similar: ball game, deal, footing, picture, posture, scene, status, story
    related: rank, standing, place, spot, state, score, status quo

  2. an assignment at which one regularly works for pay

    "there were the usual situation wanted postings in the local newspaper"

    similar: appointment, berth, billet, capacity, connection, function, job, place, position, post
    related: business, employ, employment, occupation, profession, work, office, spot, calling, pursuit, trade, vocation, line, racket, engagement, gig, livelihood, living, career, lifework, practice, duty, mission, posting, service, task
    near: avocation, joblessness, unemployment

  3. the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement

    "in earlier times people were unable to alter their situation in life, so if you were born a servant, you stayed a servant"

    "he was pleased with his situation among his peers"

    similar: degree, echelon, footing, level, place, position, rank, ranking, reach(es), rung, standing, station, status, stratum
    related: condition, estate, order, walk, capacity, function, rating

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Situation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Situation:

ball game, deal, footing, picture, posture, scene, status, story, appointment, berth, billet, capacity, connection, function, job, place, position, post, degree, echelon, level, rank, ranking, reach(es), rung, standing, station, stratum

Related Words for Situation

spot, state, score, status quo, business, employ, employment, occupation, profession, work, office, calling, pursuit, trade, vocation, line, racket, engagement, gig, livelihood, living, career, lifework, practice, duty, mission, posting, service, task, condition

Near Antonyms of Situation

avocation, joblessness, unemployment

Origin & Etymology of Situation

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Situation

Words & Phrases Containing Situation

situation comedy, situation ethics

Frequently Asked Questions about Situation

What does "Situation" mean?

"Situation" means the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings. As a noun, it is defined as: the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Situation"?

Other words for "Situation" include ball game, deal, footing, picture, posture, scene, status and story. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Situation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Situation"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Situation". Common alternatives include ball game, deal, footing, picture, posture, scene, status, story, appointment and berth.

How do you use "Situation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Situation" in a sentence: "the school's situation is improving with additional financial help"; "there were the usual situation wanted postings in the local newspaper"; "in earlier times people were unable to alter their situation in life, so if you were born a servant, you stayed a servant".

Is "Situation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Situation" is a noun.

Is "Situation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Situation" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Situation"?

"Situation" is pronounced /ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-shən/ and divided into syllables as sit·u·a·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Situation"?

First known use: 15th century.