dilemma

di-lem-ma · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.

  2. 2.

    A difficult situation or problem.

Forms

plural: dilemmas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    on the horns of a dilemma — Forced to choose between two equally unpleasant options
  • •
    moral dilemma — An ethical conflict between competing values
  • •
    prisoner's dilemma — A famous problem in game theory

Related words

Antonyms: certainty, solution
See also: choice, predicament, quandary
Synonyms: conundrum, difficulty, predicament, quandary

Etymology

From Greek dilemma, from di- ("twice, double") + lemma ("premise, assumption"). Originally a term in logic for an argument presenting two alternatives.