Conundrum: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
Add to dictionary

conundrum

 

[ kษ™หˆnสŒndrษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

puzzle

A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem or question that is tricky to solve.

Synonyms

mystery, puzzle, riddle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conundrum

A difficult and confusing problem or question that is typically impossible to solve.

  • Finding a solution to the global climate crisis is a real conundrum
puzzle

A problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge, often used for enjoyable challenges or games.

  • The crossword puzzle in the newspaper is becoming harder every day
riddle

A type of puzzle that consists of a question or statement to be solved, often used for fun or challenge.

  • Can you solve this riddle: What has keys but can't open locks? (Answer: A piano)
mystery

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain, often used for unexplained phenomena or events.

  • The sudden disappearance of the scientist remains a mystery

Examples of usage

  • The conundrum of how to fit all the pieces together kept him up all night.
  • She pondered the conundrum for hours before finally coming up with a solution.
Context #2 | Noun

paradox

It can also refer to a paradoxical, intricate, or difficult situation.

Synonyms

dilemma, predicament, quandary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conundrum

Use when referring to a puzzling question or a difficult problem that requires thought to solve.

  • The sudden disappearance of the treasure presented a conundrum for the investigators
  • Solving the conundrum of the missing key took hours of brainstorming
dilemma

Use when faced with a situation where a choice must be made between two difficult or unpleasant options.

  • Choosing between staying at a high-paying job or following your passion can create a real dilemma
  • She faced a dilemma: to report the mistake and risk her job or stay silent and compromise her values
quandary

Use when describing a state of uncertainty or indecision, often about what to do in a difficult situation.

  • He was in a quandary over whether to accept the job offer abroad
  • She fell into a quandary, unsure if keeping the secret was the right thing to do
predicament

Use when referring to an unpleasant or embarrassing situation that is difficult to get out of.

  • Finding himself stranded without money or a phone, he realized he was in quite a predicament
  • Accidentally sending the wrong email to the entire office put her in a tricky predicament

Examples of usage

  • The conundrum of trying to please everyone was proving to be impossible.
  • The conundrum of the situation left them feeling conflicted.

Translations

Translations of the word "conundrum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น enigma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคนเฅ‡เคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rรคtsel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ teka-teki

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะณะฐะดะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zagadkะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฌŽ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉnigme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ acertijo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bilmece

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ˆ˜์ˆ˜๊ป˜๋ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุบุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรกdanka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hรกdanka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฐœ้ข˜ (mรญ tรญ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ uganka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพraut

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถาฑะผะฑะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ›แƒแƒชแƒแƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tapmaca

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ acertijo

Etymology

The word 'conundrum' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'conimbricus', meaning 'of Coniumbra'. It was initially used to describe a pun or a riddle, but over time, it evolved to refer to any intricate or puzzling problem. The term has since become a popular way to describe complex or perplexing situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,246, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.