A state of affairs
noun
The way things are or a specific situation.
The economic state of affairs in the country is currently quite unstable.
Often appears as...
- current state of affairs
- unfortunate state of affairs
noun
A situation that is wrong or not satisfactory.
Many people believe that the current state of affairs in the government is unacceptable.
Often appears as...
- unacceptable state of affairs
- dreadful state of affairs
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
The way things are or a specific situation.
The economic state of affairs in the country is currently quite unstable.
Often appears as...
- current state of affairs
- unfortunate state of affairs
noun
A situation that is wrong or not satisfactory.
Many people believe that the current state of affairs in the government is unacceptable.
Often appears as...
- unacceptable state of affairs
- dreadful state of affairs
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Neutral Description
Use this phrase when you're making a neutral observation about a situation without judging it.
The current state of affairs at school remains unchanged despite new policies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative
This phrase is not exclusively for negative situations; it can describe positive contexts too.
The state of affairs after the charity event was overwhelmingly positive.
Pro Tip 3/3Formality
It's a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions.
In this report, we examine the state of affairs in genetic research.
Pro Tip 1/3Neutral Description
Use this phrase when you're making a neutral observation about a situation without judging it.
The current state of affairs at school remains unchanged despite new policies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative
This phrase is not exclusively for negative situations; it can describe positive contexts too.
The state of affairs after the charity event was overwhelmingly positive.
Pro Tip 3/3Formality
It's a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions.
In this report, we examine the state of affairs in genetic research.
Pro Tip 1/3Neutral Description
Use this phrase when you're making a neutral observation about a situation without judging it.
The current state of affairs at school remains unchanged despite new policies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative
This phrase is not exclusively for negative situations; it can describe positive contexts too.
The state of affairs after the charity event was overwhelmingly positive.
Pro Tip 3/3Formality
It's a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions.
In this report, we examine the state of affairs in genetic research.
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