What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plight
Example
The company is in a financial plight due to the pandemic. [plight: noun]
Example
She was in a plight when her car broke down in the middle of nowhere. [plight: verb]
predicament
Example
He found himself in a predicament when he lost his passport right before his flight. [predicament: noun]
Example
She was predicamented by the conflicting demands of work and family. [predicament: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predicament is more commonly used than plight in everyday language. Predicament is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while plight is less common and may be perceived as old-fashioned or formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plight and predicament?
Plight is typically associated with a more formal tone, while predicament can be used in both formal and informal contexts.