circumstance */*/*/

UK [ˈsɜː(r)kəmstəns] / US [ˈsɜrkəmstəns] noun
Word forms "circumstance":
singular circumstance plural circumstances

1) [countable, usually plural] a fact or condition that affects a situation

The circumstances surrounding the child's death are being investigated.

The circumstances of this case are unusual.

under/in ... circumstances:

Cancellation under certain circumstances is covered by your travel insurance policy.

Under different circumstances she might have been able to appreciate the irony of it.

In exceptional circumstances students may take examinations at Head Office.

not under/in any circumstances (= used for emphasizing that something cannot be allowed to happen):

I would never in any circumstances dream of comparing her with you.

Under no circumstances will we agree to splitting up the company.

under/considering/given the circumstances (= because the situation is difficult or unusual):

It's amazing that they did so well under the circumstances.

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Collocations:
Adjectives frequently used with circumstance
▪  certain, exceptional, normal, particular, special, unforeseen

2) [countable, usually plural] your circumstances are the conditions in which you live, especially how much money you have

It is very important to make a will, whatever your circumstances.

family circumstances:

problems caused by unemployment, divorce, or some unusual family circumstances

a change in circumstances:

You are obliged by law to notify the agency of any change in circumstances.

3) [uncountable] formal events and situations that cannot be controlled

a victim of circumstance:

Joanne has been more a victim of circumstance than anything else.

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- due to unforeseen circumstances