dilemma

American  

[dih-lem-uh] / dɪˈlɛm ə /

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.”

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dilemma British  

/ 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. 1. faced with the choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives

   2. in an awkward situation

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dilemma Idioms  

1. see horns of a dilemma.

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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

Related Words

See predicament.

Other Word Forms

• dilemmatic adjective
• dilemmatical adjective
• dilemmatically adverb
• dilemmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of dilemma

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

Explanation

A dilemma is a tough choice. When you're in a difficult situation and each option looks equally bad, you're in a dilemma. Dilemma is from a Greek for "double proposition." It was originally a technical term of logic, but we use it now for any time you have a problem with no satisfactory solution. If you're at the mall choosing between red or blue socks, that's not really a dilemma. But if you have to choose whether to save your cat or your dog from a burning building, that's an awful dilemma.

Example Sentences

But Rew is not an opener, leaving England with a dilemma on how to fit him in for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on 4 June, if they choose to at all.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

I have another dilemma for you: If your guests don’t give you physical gifts or cash and donate to charity instead, are you still required to send them a thank-you note?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

A nation may resort to war only as the result of a dilemma where the only solutions are morally suspect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“The court’s left with this dilemma that I have not faced in my entire time on the bench and I don’t take it lightly,” Birotte said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Massasoit was an adroit politician, but the dilemma he faced would have tested Machiavelli.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• difficulty
• embarrassment
• impasse
• mess
• plight
• predicament
• problem
• puzzle
• quandary