dire condition

USAGE SUMMARY

"dire condition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is very serious or desperate. For example, "The family's financial situation had reached a dire condition and they were in need of assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Chinese universities were in dire condition.

The New Yorker

As a result the Greek economy is in dire condition.

The Guardian

But that, he said, did not lead him to believe the company was in dire condition.

The New York Times

Despite the dire condition of the Cuban economy, the country does have limited access to dollars.

The New York Times

Last week, voters rejected budget measures that would have eased the state's dire condition.

The New York Times

Bush left behind an America in dire condition and with a degraded reputation.

The New Yorker

Mr. Babi said the province, which has over a million people, was in dire condition.

The New York Times

Mr. Schröder said the dire condition of public finances became clear only after the election.

The New York Times

Holbrooke and his staff discussed the dire condition of the Pakistani state.

The New Yorker

The unemployment figures Friday underscored the dire condition of Spain's economy.

The New York Times

Friday's new unemployment figures underscored the dire condition of Spain's economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "dire condition", follow it with specific details or consequences to enhance the gravity of the situation for your audience. For example: "The patient arrived in a dire condition, suffering from multiple organ failures."

Common error

Avoid using "dire condition" to describe situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly problematic. Overusing it diminishes its impact and can make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for genuinely critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire condition" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It typically acts as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a complement to a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dire condition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a situation of extreme severity, urgency, or danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news reports, formal documents, and scientific papers, and is best employed when emphasizing the need for immediate action or intervention. When using "dire condition", ensure that the context genuinely warrants such a strong term to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "precarious situation" or "critical state" for similar but slightly less intense meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Replaces "condition" with "situation", focusing on the instability and risk involved.

critical state

Emphasizes the severity and potential for immediate negative outcomes.

desperate straits

Highlights the lack of options and urgent need for resolution.

grave circumstances

Uses "circumstances" to broaden the scope and emphasize the seriousness of the overall situation.

terrible plight

Focuses on the suffering and unfortunate nature of the condition.

hazardous predicament

Highlights the dangerous and difficult nature of the situation.

awful state

Simplifies the wording while maintaining the negative connotation of the situation.

catastrophic circumstances

Highlights the scope and impact of the adversity, intensifying the gravity of the overall situation.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisive point of the difficulty.

parlous state

Uses a more formal term, "parlous", to describe a situation full of danger and uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "dire condition" in a sentence?

You can use "dire condition" to describe states of extreme severity, for example, "The hospital reported that the patient was in a "dire condition" upon arrival" or "The "dire condition" of the economy led to widespread job losses".

What phrases are similar to "dire condition"?

Alternatives to "dire condition" include "precarious situation", "critical state", and "desperate straits". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dire condition" in formal writing?

Yes, "dire condition" is suitable for formal writing. It effectively conveys the seriousness of a situation in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "dire condition" and "serious condition"?

While both describe concerning situations, "dire condition" suggests a more immediate and severe risk than "serious condition". "Dire" implies a critical state where urgent action is needed, while "serious" can encompass a broader range of concerning but not necessarily life-threatening situations.