dire state

USAGE SUMMARY

"dire state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a very bad and/or dangerous situation or condition, usually one that has been deteriorating over time. For example, "The economy has been in a dire state since the pandemic began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She was in a dire state.

The New York Times - Books

Facilities are in a dire state.

The Guardian

Their schools and hospitals are often in a dire state.

The Economist

It is the dire state of the Italian economy.

The Economist

It isn't just the dire state of the labor market.

The New Yorker

THE dire state of American schools concerns everyone, from bosses to parents to the children themselves.

The Economist

There could be no sadder and more appropriate symbol of the dire state of their relations.

The Economist

The survey reveals the dire state of rail links to most of London's airports.

Independent

But this is not enough considering the dire state of the market.

The New York Times

Greece's public finances are in a dire state and its growth forecasts have been slashed.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the union is expecting larger numbers than usual because of the dire state of negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dire state", ensure the context clearly establishes what is in decline or crisis. Be specific; avoid vague references.

Common error

Avoid using "dire state" to exaggerate minor inconveniences. Save it for situations genuinely characterized by significant risk, decline, or danger to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire state" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing something as being in a condition of extreme seriousness or urgency. It typically modifies a noun, such as "economy" or "situation", to emphasize the severity of its condition, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire state" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation of extreme seriousness or urgency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media, scientific reports, and formal business contexts, signifying its appropriateness for professional communication. When employing "dire state", ensure that the context warrants its strong connotation and that you're accurately conveying the gravity of the situation. While alternatives like "critical condition" or "precarious situation" exist, "dire state" specifically highlights a declining or dangerous scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical condition

Focuses more on the severity of a health or structural situation.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and risk associated with the current circumstances.

desperate straits

Emphasizes the hopelessness and urgency of the situation.

grave circumstances

Stresses the serious and weighty nature of the events.

urgent crisis

Indicates a situation requiring immediate attention and action.

perilous predicament

Highlights the danger and difficulty of the current circumstances.

troubled times

Suggests a period marked by difficulty and adversity.

deplorable situation

Focuses on the negative and regrettable aspects of the circumstances.

catastrophic circumstances

Emphasizes the disastrous and destructive nature of the situation.

crisis point

Indicates a moment of extreme danger or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "dire state" to describe situations characterized by extreme seriousness or urgency. For example, "The country's economy is in a "dire state" due to the ongoing recession".

What phrases are similar to "dire state"?

Alternatives to "dire state" include "critical condition", "precarious situation", or "desperate straits". The best choice depends on the nuances you want to convey.

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

Yes, "dire state" is suitable for formal writing, including news reports, academic papers, and business communications. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What makes "dire state" different from "bad condition"?

"Dire state" suggests a situation that is not only bad but also extremely urgent and potentially dangerous, implying a more severe and critical condition than simply a "bad condition".