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View synonyms for dilemma

dilemma

[ dih-lem-uh ]

noun

  1. a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
  2. any difficult or perplexing situation or problem.

    Synonyms: difficulty, question

  3. Logic. a form of syllogism in which the major premise is formed of two or more hypothetical propositions and the minor premise is a disjunctive proposition, as “If A, then B; if C then D. Either A or C. Therefore, either B or D.”


dilemma

/ dɪˈlɛmə; ˌdɪlɪˈmætɪk; daɪ-; ˌdaɪlɪ- /

noun

  1. a situation necessitating a choice between two equal, esp equally undesirable, alternatives
  2. a problem that seems incapable of a solution
  3. logic a form of argument one of whose premises is the conjunction of two conditional statements and the other of which affirms the disjunction of their antecedents, and whose conclusion is the disjunction of their consequents. Its form is if p then q and if r then s; either p or r so either q or s
  4. on the horns of a dilemma
    1. faced with the choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives
    2. in an awkward situation
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Usage

The use of dilemma to refer to a problem that seems incapable of a solution is considered by some people to be incorrect
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Derived Forms

  • dilemmatic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • dil·em·mat·ic [dil-, uh, -, mat, -ik], dilem·mati·cal di·lemmic adjective
  • dilem·mati·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dilemma1

First recorded in 1515–25; from Late Latin, from Greek dílēmma, equivalent to di- “two, twice” ( di- 1 ) + lêmma “an assumption, premise,” derivative of lambánein “to take”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dilemma1

C16: via Latin from Greek, from di- 1+ lēmma assumption, proposition, from lambanein to take, grasp
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Idioms and Phrases

see horns of a dilemma .
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Therein lies the seemingly intractable dilemma of humanity’s intimate relationship with this tropical tree.

Stuck in this dilemma of the party’s own making, silence can be as good as it gets.

I can tell you firsthand, it is a pleasure to participate in discussions with students so attuned to the complex ethical dilemmas their employers face.

From Quartz

I’m curious how you would describe what you see to be his dilemma.

What if the dilemma stems from them forming trust based on “gut feeling” in the meetings, but lacking enough knowledge to judge whether the projected results will, in the end, be achieved.

Herein lies the great dilemma then for the advocates of amnesty.

These patients, often thought of as brain dead, present a distinct ethical dilemma.

Is behind-the-scenes duplicity, cloaked in coming-of-age business dilemma, the new norm for major-label moves?

We saw Tyreese in this episode caught in the middle of the “hunt or be hunted” dilemma.

This is the core dilemma for conservatives on same-sex marriage: The more widespread its practice, the more accepted it becomes.

The porter of the firm mercifully interposed to rescue Mr Brammel from his dilemma.

As to the new scheme respecting the Netherlands, he shrewdly propounded a dilemma which silenced Pomponne and Torcy.

I am placed between the horns of a dilemma: one lady clamours for the bare truth: another forbids me to say anything unpleasing.

Monsieur de Fontanges soon made his appearance, when the lady explained to him their dilemma, and requested his assistance.

The sphinx, which men have imagined concealing herself in the cloud, seemed to mock him with a dilemma.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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