plight

[plaɪt]

plight Definition

  • 1a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation
  • 2a solemn pledge or promise, especially one to marry

Using plight: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "plight" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The plight of the refugees is heart-wrenching.

  • Example

    The company is in a financial plight.

  • Example

    He proposed to her and she accepted, sealing their plight with a kiss.

plight Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for plight

Idioms Using plight

  • a situation that is pitiable or deserving of sympathy

    Example

    The homeless man's sorry plight touched the hearts of many passersby.

  • a plight of stairs

    a set of stairs

    Example

    She climbed the long plight of stairs to reach her apartment on the top floor.

  • a tract of land

    Example

    The farmer owned a large plight of land in the countryside.

Phrases with plight

  • plight one's troth

    to make a solemn promise to marry someone

    Example

    They plighted their troth in front of family and friends.

  • in dire/desperate/extreme plight

    in a very serious or difficult situation

    Example

    The animals were in desperate plight due to the drought.

  • plight one's word

    to give one's word or promise to do something

    Example

    He plighted his word to help her with the project.

Origins of plight

from Old English 'plihtan', meaning 'to endanger'

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Summary: plight in Brief

The term 'plight' [plaɪt] refers to a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation, as in 'The plight of the refugees is heart-wrenching.' It can also mean a solemn promise, especially one to marry, as in 'He proposed to her and she accepted, sealing their plight with a kiss.' 'Plight' extends into phrases like 'plight one's troth,' and idioms like 'a sorry plight,' denoting a pitiable situation. Informally, it can be referred to as a 'mess' or a 'pickle.'