What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plight
Example
The plight of the homeless population is a growing concern for the city. [plight: noun]
Example
She was in a plight and needed help to get out of it. [plight: noun]
crisis
Example
The country is facing an economic crisis due to the pandemic. [crisis: noun]
Example
The company is in crisis mode and needs to make some tough decisions. [crisis: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crisis is a more common word than plight in everyday language, as it is often used to describe major events or situations in the news. Plight is less common but can be used to describe a range of personal or societal issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plight and crisis?
Both plight and crisis can be used in formal and informal contexts, but crisis may be more commonly used in formal settings such as news reports or official statements.
