Only when written 羽目
Refers to wooden paneling or wainscoting, especially in traditional Japanese architecture. This sense is restricted to the kanji form 羽目.
The hallway of the old inn was fitted with beautiful wainscoting.
plight; fix; mess; awkward situation
Used almost exclusively in the idiomatic expression 羽目になる (to end up in a difficult or awkward situation). Also appears in 羽目に陥る and similar phrases. Not used as a standalone noun for 'situation'.
See also: 羽目になる
I carelessly spilled the secret and ended up in a terrible fix.
Because of him, we've gotten into this mess.
He fell into a dire situation, saddled with debt.
苦境 describes a tough, ongoing hardship (often financial or social), whereas 羽目 refers to a sudden, specific awkward situation one 'ends up in'.
Standard kanji spelling for both the architectural and idiomatic senses.
Alternate kanji form, rarely used in modern Japanese.
Originally referred to wooden panels (羽目) used in construction. The idiomatic sense likely developed from the idea of being 'boxed in' or 'cornered' like being enclosed by panels, though the exact derivation is uncertain.