quandary

[ kwon-duh-ree, -dree ]

noun

, plural quan·da·ries.

1. a state of perplexity or uncertainty, especially as to what to do; dilemma.

quandary

/ -dərɪ; ˈkwɒndrɪ /

noun

1. a situation or circumstance that presents problems difficult to solve; predicament; dilemma

Word History and Origins

Origin of quandary¹

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps fancifully from Latin quand(ō) “when” + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of quandary¹

C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Latin quandō when

Synonym Study

See predicament.

Example Sentences

When her future husband heard of her quandary, he is said to have quipped, “I’ll compete with anyone, but how can I compete with God?”

From Los Angeles Times

She quickly nodded and agreed, but the quandaries stuck with her.

From Los Angeles Times

That would put Wolff in quite the quandary.

From BBC

Multiple sources also mentioned the serious quandary over university fees and numbers.

From BBC

But that’s left him with a quandary that belongs in a maths textbook: If you have 80 acres and 11 crocodiles on the market, but zero permits available to transfer, what’s the answer?

From BBC

Related Words

• difficulty
• dilemma
• embarrassment
• impasse
• plight
• predicament
• puzzle
• uncertainty