noun
difficult situation; predicament; dilemma
Refers to a tough, distressing position or circumstances, often used in news, business, or personal hardship contexts.
会社は資金不足で苦境に立たされている。
The company is in a difficult situation due to a lack of funds.
彼は苦境を乗り越えて成
He overcame his predicament and succeeded.
Compound of 苦 (ku, 'suffering') and 境 (kyō, 'boundary' or 'situation'), literally 'suffering situation'. The reading is on'yomi.