under the circumstances

Meaning

This phrase is used to say that a decision, action, or result is acceptable or understandable given the specific, often difficult, situation. It helps to contextualize why something happened the way it did, usually implying that things could have been worse.

Examples

• Under the circumstances, we decided to postpone the product launch until next quarter.

  Under the circumstances, we decided to postpone the product launch until next quarter.

• The team did an excellent job under the circumstances, despite being short-staffed.

  The team did an excellent job under the circumstances, despite being short-staffed.

• Under the circumstances, a 5% increase in revenue is actually a great result.

  Under the circumstances, a 5% increase in revenue is actually a great result.

• We cannot offer a full refund, but under the circumstances, we can give you store credit.

  We cannot offer a full refund, but under the circumstances, we can give you store credit.

• It was the best decision we could have made under the circumstances.

  It was the best decision we could have made under the circumstances.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ In the circumstances, we had to cancel the event.

  ✓ Under the circumstances, we had to cancel the event.

  While 'in the circumstances' is occasionally heard in British English, 'under the circumstances' is the standard and far more common prepositional phrase globally.

• ✗ Under the circumstance, we will close early.

  ✓ Under the circumstances, we will close early.

  The noun 'circumstances' must be plural in this idiom. Using the singular 'circumstance' sounds unnatural and incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___, we believe cancelling the contract was the most responsible choice.

  💡 Given the current difficult situation.

  Show answer

  Under the circumstances

• They managed to finish the project on time, which is impressive ___.

  💡 Considering the conditions they had to work with.

  Show answer

  under the circumstances