What is synonyms for difficult situation

Diversify your English: find synonyms, boost your language confidence

difficult situation

/ˈdɪfɪkəlt ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/

A challenging or problematic scenario that requires effort to resolve.

Synonyms of difficult situation

Phrases

Strongest matches:

- challenging circumstance

- tough predicament

- hard scenario

- problematic condition

- demanding situation

Weak matches:

- tricky spot

- rough patch

- sticky situation

- uncomfortable position

- tight spot

Nouns

Strongest matches:

- predicament

- quandary

- dilemma

- crisis

- plight

Weak matches:

- conundrum

- bind

- jam

- impasse

- tight spot

Antonyms:

easy situation, simple scenario, straightforward circumstance, effortless condition, uncomplicated case

Usage examples:

1. When their car broke down in the middle of nowhere, they found themselves in a very difficult situation.

2. Solving the complex puzzle proved to be a difficult situation for the team.

3. The company faced a difficult situation when they had to decide between laying off employees.

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Frequently asked questions

What is another word for 'difficult situation' that implies a tight or limited space for action?

A common synonym that captures the sense of being in a tight or limited space for action is 'tight spot.' This phrase conveys the idea of being in a challenging or tricky situation with limited options for escape or resolution.

Is there a formal term that describes a difficult situation, perhaps in legal or business contexts?

Yes, the term 'predicament' is often used in more formal contexts, including legal or business environments, to describe a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation where it is hard to know what to do.

What word can I use to describe a difficult situation that involves danger or risk?

'Perilous situation' is an appropriate term for describing a difficult situation that involves significant danger or risk. It emphasizes the severity and potential harm that could arise from the situation.

Is there a synonym for 'difficult situation' that also implies complexity or complication?

'Quagmire' is a synonym that not only suggests a difficult situation but also implies a complex, sticky, or entangled circumstance from which it is hard to extricate oneself. It often refers to situations that have become complicated and troublesome over time.