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in dire straits

ADJECTIVE

in the red

Synonyms

WEAK

at a loss bankrupt behindhand defaulting delinquent in arrears in debt in hock in the hole insolvent losing money nonpaying to the bad unprofitably

Antonyms

WEAK

in the black

ADJECTIVE

underprivileged

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depressed deprived destitute disadvantaged impoverished indigent needy

WEAK

badly off down and out hapless hard up have-not ill-fated ill-starred in need in want unfortunate unlucky

Antonyms

STRONGEST

prosperous rich wealthy

WEAK

privileged

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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Facing a tricky chase of 165 against Pakistan at the Pallekele stadium in Kandy, England could have been in dire straits when they lost Phil Salt first ball of the innings.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

By the time President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated in March 1933, the nation was in dire straits.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2025

Monmouthshire market's manager, Phil Jones, said the restrictions would leave the market in "dire straits".

From BBC • Jun. 28, 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

in dire straits

Example Sentences

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