dire times

USAGE SUMMARY

"dire times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life, for example: "In the wake of the pandemic, many people are facing dire times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We're in such dire times".

The New York Times

When more dire times hit, the bank was raided.

The New York Times

Friends would have been valuable to have in ancestral environments, especially during dire times of need.

University of California, Berkeley

These are dire times in opera land for the modest and the mighty.

The New York Times

This dinner does not rate as entertainment in these dire times.

The New Yorker

We are at an historic moment for the Games, and dire times call for courageous measures.

The Guardian - Sport

"Sports -Center" may make billions for Disney, but in dire times, it's also a public service.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a concession to dire times, Mr. Obama cut his request to $300 million for the coming year.

The New York Times

These eminently social functions of university education are not to be forgotten, and especially not in dire times.

The Economist

But the guide also presents a sober rendition of what the realities might be in dire times.

The New York Times

But that comes in dire times, when the President has to deliver a very important message about war or disaster.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dire times", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific nature and scope of the difficulty being described.

Common error

Avoid using "dire times" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. Reserve it for situations of genuine severity and widespread impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire times" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. According to Ludwig, it is correctly used to describe difficult and challenging periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire times" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe periods of significant hardship and challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate for conveying a sense of urgency and severity. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase emphasizes the difficulties of a specific era, cautioning against overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "desperate straits" or "times of adversity" can be considered for nuanced expression. When employing this phrase, ensure the surrounding context clearly supports and justifies the description of "dire times".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times of adversity

Emphasizes the presence of challenges and obstacles.

desperate straits

Conveys a sense of urgency and lack of options.

troubled period

Focuses on the difficulties and unrest associated with the time.

challenging period

Emphasizes the duration and difficulty of the situation.

crisis situation

Emphasizes the urgency and potential for negative outcomes.

difficult circumstances

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation, rather than just the time period.

hardship era

Highlights the widespread suffering during that time.

adverse conditions

Focuses on the unfavorable nature of the external factors.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisiveness and potential danger of the moment.

economic downturn

Specifically refers to a period of economic decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "dire times" to describe periods of significant hardship or crisis, such as "The country faced "dire times" during the recession".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "dire times"?

Alternatives include "desperate times", "times of adversity", or "difficult circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dire times" in a formal setting?

Yes, "dire times" can be used in formal settings when discussing serious and challenging situations. However, ensure the tone and context are appropriate for the audience.

What's the difference between "dire times" and "difficult times"?

"Dire times" implies a greater level of severity and potential danger than "difficult times". "Dire" suggests a critical or desperate situation.