noun
plight
PLYTE/plaɪt/
A difficult or unfortunate situation.
The cyclist's plight leaves him stranded in rain with a flat tire.
Etymology
The image of folding developed into a general sense of “condition” or “state.” Its usual negative meaning probably arose through confusion with another plight meaning danger or a risky pledge.
In context
Service workers suffer the plight of being always on, not only maintaining competency to perform their job functions, but acting and appearing calm and pleasant in the process.
More examples
- Neighbors learn of her plight and offer to help.
- The report highlights the plight of endangered sea turtles.
- Without clean water, the villagers' plight grows worse.
Forms
plight · plights
Similar words
- predicament
- Emphasizes a difficult situation that is hard to escape.
- trouble
- Often refers to problems generally, not one specific situation.