1. a difficult, distressing, or desperate situation
Usage: usually used in the phrase ‘dire straits’
2. narrow passages of water connecting two larger bodies of water
Usage: nautical; geographical

Examples

• The company found itself in dire straits after losing its biggest client.
• Many families are in financial straits due to the economic downturn.
• The ship navigated through the dangerous straits between the islands.
• The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
• Without proper funding, the charity was in desperate straits.
• The narrow straits were treacherous for large vessels to cross.
• After the factory closed, the entire town was in dire straits.