under siege

USAGE SUMMARY

"under siege" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which there is an attack or attempt to take control of a person or group. For example: The small mountain town has been under siege by the invading army for weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are under siege.

The New York Times

Under siege.

The Guardian

Baghdad under siege.

The New Yorker

The city is under siege.

The New York Times

His family were under siege.

Independent

The family felt under siege.

The New Yorker

"They may feel under siege.

The New York Times

Egypt is under siege.

The Guardian

We're under siege.

The New York Times

"We're living under siege.

The Guardian

Elephants are under siege.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under siege" when you want to convey a sense of being surrounded, attacked, or overwhelmed, either literally or figuratively. It's appropriate for describing military situations, political pressure, or even personal struggles.

Common error

Avoid using "under siege" in casual conversation or trivial situations. Its strong connotations of danger and intensity can sound melodramatic if applied inappropriately. Choose less dramatic language for everyday challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under siege" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun to describe its state of being attacked or heavily pressured. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase follows a linking verb (e.g., 'is', 'were', 'felt').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under siege" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations of intense pressure, attack, or being surrounded. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicate adjective, primarily found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or neutral registers, conveying a sense of urgency and threat. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "besieged" or "under attack", especially in less serious scenarios. Ludwig's analysis highlights the phrase's correct usage, frequency, and contextual appropriateness, helping writers employ it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

besieged

Single word alternative to "under siege", implying a state of being surrounded and attacked.

beleaguered

Describes a state of persistent difficulty or harassment.

under attack

Highlights the act of being attacked, without necessarily implying containment.

encircled

Focuses on the physical aspect of being surrounded.

threatened

Emphasizes the feeling of being in danger or at risk.

imperiled

A more formal synonym for 'endangered' or 'threatened'.

in a vulnerable position

Indicates a state of weakness and susceptibility to harm.

facing intense pressure

Describes a situation of being subjected to great stress or demands.

fighting for survival

Highlights the struggle to continue existing in a difficult situation.

in a crisis

Indicates a time of intense difficulty or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "under siege" in a sentence?

You can use "under siege" to describe situations where something or someone is surrounded and facing intense pressure or attack, like: "The city was "under siege" by enemy forces" or "The company's reputation is "under siege" after the scandal".

What does it mean when something is described as "under siege"?

When something is described as "under siege", it means it is surrounded or facing intense pressure, attack, or scrutiny. It implies a state of being threatened or overwhelmed.

What are some synonyms for "under siege"?

Some synonyms for "under siege" include "besieged", "under attack", "threatened", and "beleaguered". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "under siege" in formal writing?

Yes, "under siege" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing situations of conflict, intense pressure, or threat. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.