Dilemma: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when facing a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives. It's often used in moral or ethical contexts.

• She faced a moral dilemma about whether to lie to protect her friend.
• He was in a dilemma over whether to accept the job offer or stay with his current employer.

Refers to an unpleasant or difficult situation that someone is in. It's often about being stuck in a tough spot without an easy way out.

• She was in a financial predicament after losing her job.
• They found themselves in a serious predicament with no way to call for help.

Describes a state of uncertainty or perplexity over what to do in a particular situation. It highlights the difficulty in making a decision.

• He was in a quandary about whether to tell the truth or protect his friend.
• The politicians were in a quandary over how to address the crisis.

Applied when talking about a complex or confusing problem or question that is difficult to solve. It often implies a puzzle or something that is difficult to understand.

• The missing puzzle piece was a real conundrum.
• The company faces the conundrum of how to reduce costs without cutting crucial staff.

A situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, often equally undesirable.

• She faced a dilemma about whether to go back to work after having a baby.
• He found himself in a moral dilemma, torn between telling the truth and protecting his friend.

A state of uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation, slightly less serious than a dilemma.

• I'm in a quandary about whether to sell the house now or wait until the market improves.
• The unexpected guest put her in a quandary about where to seat everyone.

A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.

• After losing his job, he was in a real predicament.
• She understood the predicament they were in but couldn’t offer much help.

A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something. It typically has a positive or neutral connotation.

• He has a predilection for classical music.
• Her predilection for sweets often led her to the dessert section first.