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

Some people are in more dire straits financially than others, of course, but everyone needs support from time to time.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

Storm-ravaged communities in western Jamaica were facing dire straits Sunday, days after record-setting Hurricane Melissa left towns demolished and at least 28 people dead across the island.

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

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