dire straits

[ dahyuhr streyts ]

plural noun

1. very difficult circumstances:

   With inflation so high, I've been talking to many more people lately who are in dire straits.

   Once facing dire straits, the theater has bounced back since producing this hit show.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dire straits¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

"But mainland England and Wales is in dire straits, and they will become extinct if we are unable to reverse this trend."

From BBC

The plan to close stores was announced as part of the company’s release of its fourth-quarter and end-of-year financial reports, which underscored its dire straits.

From Los Angeles Times

It took over the world, and it even saved New York in my mind because New York was really in dire straits talking about bankruptcy.

From Salon

“They knew the company was in dire straits. They were just expediting bankruptcy by doing that.”

From Los Angeles Times

“But obviously right now, we’re in a little bit of dire straits. We need to hold on a little bit.”

From Los Angeles Times