plight

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'plight' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an unpleasant or difficult situation. Example sentence: The refugees' plight was heart-wrenching to witness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The senators had also been made aware of the plight of the producer and, under pressure from the committee and the union, the ABC overturned the decision at the 11th hour.

The Guardian

Yet unlike most colleagues, at least the £10m midfielder was prepared to discuss Sunderland's plight.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of Wigan's plight can be boiled down to problems in attack rather than defence.

The Guardian - Sport

The plight of the two players has made many question the worth of lucrative central contracts.

The Guardian - Sport

Since Friday lunchtime, when the Guardian broke the story that Sierra Leone's top 100-metre sprinter was sleeping rough and going hungry, thousands from all over the world have responded to his plight.

The Guardian

Abdullah Elshamy, one of the al-Jazeera Arabic journalists detained without charge since August, has been on hunger-strike for nine days to draw attention to his plight.

The Guardian

On one wall of the Graves is a Damien Hirst, lent by Jarvis Cocker to his hometown's museum when he heard about its plight.

The Guardian

Soon after a group of men gather in the mosque courtyard, eager to relate their plight to foreign strangers.

The Guardian

I invite you to join us as we move beyond the anger and pain, and promote peace and friendship The grievances of the South African population have to be balanced with the plight of many refugees, asylum seekers and economic migrants from the continent and beyond.

The Guardian

But, in view of Greece's economic plight and the uncertain value of the banks' assets, the ECB discounts the value of the collateral they put up by around 40%.

The Guardian

Directed by Xiao Feng and set in 1943, the film explores the plight of the people of Chongqing as they are bombed by the Japanese.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plight" to evoke a sense of urgency or empathy when describing a difficult situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is affected by the plight.

Common error

Avoid using "plight" to describe a positive or neutral situation. "Plight" specifically refers to a difficult, unfortunate, or precarious state.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plight" is as a noun, referring to a difficult or unfortunate situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard grammar rules and is reflected in numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plight" is a noun used to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use "plight" accurately, reserving it for situations involving hardship or adversity. Alternatives like "difficult situation" or "predicament" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Replaces "plight" with a more general term for a challenging circumstance.

predicament

Emphasizes a tricky or dangerous situation.

troublesome circumstances

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation.

dire straits

Suggests a very serious and urgent state of difficulty.

unfortunate situation

Focuses on the negative and unlucky aspects of the circumstances.

adverse conditions

Highlights unfavorable factors contributing to the difficulty.

hardship

Focuses on the suffering and difficulty experienced.

misfortune

Emphasizes the unlucky nature of the situation.

crisis

Implies a critical and potentially dangerous situation.

desperate circumstances

Underscores the urgency and severity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "plight" in a sentence?

Use "plight" to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation that someone or something is experiencing. For example, "The "plight" of the refugees is a major concern."

What can I say instead of "plight"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult situation", "predicament", or "hardship" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "plight" to describe a good situation?

No, "plight" should only be used to describe a difficult, unfortunate, or precarious situation. Using it in a positive context would be incorrect.

What is the difference between "plight" and "situation"?

"Situation" is a general term for a set of circumstances. "Plight" specifically refers to a difficult or unfortunate "situation", implying hardship or danger.