Definition & Meaning of "situational irony"

Situational irony

a literary device in which events or circumstances within a story are contrary to what one would expect, often leading to an unexpected outcome or twist

What is "situational irony"?

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This type of irony often highlights a surprising or unexpected outcome that contrasts with what was anticipated. For example, if a fire station burns down, it is situationally ironic because one would expect a fire station to be the last place to catch fire. Situational irony adds depth to narratives by creating surprising twists or emphasizing the unpredictability of life.