dire straits

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mrs Smith says it was not surprising "given the dire straits of social care financially".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Though not in dire straits, it isn’t exactly healthy, either.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's steel-making business, already in dire straits due to fierce Asian competition, said in a statement to AFP that a "permanently higher gas price would have an impact on production costs".

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Canham-Clyne said Chipotle is not yet in dire straits.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

He wasn’t sure if it was because he was in dire straits or because he was beginning to understand that the magic was there for him.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova