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in dire circumstances

ADJECTIVE

poverty-stricken

Synonyms

STRONGEST

destitute distressed impoverished indigent needy poor strapped

WEAK

bad off bankrupt beggared beggarly broke dirt poor down-and-out hard up impencunious in great need in want miserably poor moneyless necessitous needful penniless penurious short stone broke stranded suffering unmoneyed wanting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

affluent happy lucky rich wealthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But even in dire circumstances, we can and should pursue happiness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

"We're in dire circumstances," said Rogelio de Dean, 45, a priest in El Cobre, whose church also suffered damage.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Leaving a job without a new one in hand is anxiety-inducing, and it’s not something I recommend unless you are in dire circumstances.

From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2023

The resurgence of COVID-19 in Texas has put some cities’ health systems in dire circumstances, as intensive care unit beds fill up, officials say.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2021

Before this note there is nothing in the journal to suggest that McCandless was in dire circumstances.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

in dire circumstances

Example Sentences

Related Words