dilemma

/dɪˈlɛmə/
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A hard choice when each possible path has a serious cost.

Examples

  • There is no painless answer to this dilemma.
  • The doctor described the ethical dilemma without choosing a side.
  • The council faces a dilemma: build homes or protect the wetland.
  • She was in a dilemma over whether to tell her friend the truth.
  • Would taking the promotion solve your dilemma, or make it worse?

Similar words

fix
quandary
predicament
difficult choice
bind

Meanings

Difficult choice

noun
decision-making
neutral
A situation in which choosing between possible actions is difficult, often because each has an unwelcome result.

Examples

  • The council faces a dilemma: build homes or protect the wetland.
  • She was in a dilemma over whether to tell her friend the truth.
  • There is no painless answer to this dilemma.
  • Would taking the promotion solve your dilemma, or make it worse?
  • The doctor described the ethical dilemma without choosing a side.

Similar words

Etymology

From Greek di-, meaning “two,” and lēmma, meaning “premise.” It first named an argument with two alternatives before taking on its everyday sense of a difficult choice.

FAQ

What does dilemma mean?

A dilemma is a difficult choice, especially when each option has a drawback.

Does a dilemma have to involve exactly two choices?

No. Although its Greek roots refer to two alternatives, everyday use can involve more.

What is an ethical dilemma?

It is a hard choice in which important moral duties or values pull in different directions.

Is dilemma the same as a problem?

A dilemma centres on a choice. A problem may have no choice between competing options.

Can someone be in a dilemma?

Yes. Being in a dilemma means facing a difficult decision.

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