# plight

/ˈpɫaɪt/ (US) · /plˈaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plight
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a very difficult, sad, or dangerous situation that is hard to get out of. It is usually used to talk about the suffering of a specific group of people or animals.

For teachers: a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation. Often used to highlight the suffering of a vulnerable group or to evoke empathy in formal or journalistic contexts.

## Examples

- The charity works to improve the plight of homeless children.
- After the flood, international news agencies began reporting on the desperate plight of the villagers who had lost their homes.
- The documentary aims to shed light on the plight of refugees, documenting their arduous journey across borders and the systemic barriers they face upon arrival in a new country.

## Usage notes

- Usually appears in the singular form and is frequently followed by the preposition 'of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.