circumstance

cir|cum|stance [ `sɜrkəmstəns ] noun ***

1. ) count usually plural the facts or conditions that affect 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 arrange to take examinations at other times.

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 (=considering the situation was difficult or unusual): It's amazing that they did so well under the circumstances.

2. ) count 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.

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

3. ) uncount FORMAL events and situations that cannot be controlled:

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

due to unforeseen circumstances or due to circumstances beyond our control

used in official statements for explaining that something unexpected has happened that will prevent an event or situation from continuing normally:

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have been forced to close the exhibition for the next two days.