Synonyms

quandary

American

[kwon-duh-ree, -dree] / ˈkwɒn də ri, -dri /

noun

PLURAL

quandaries

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

quandary British

/ -dərɪ, ˈkwɒndrɪ /

noun

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

"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

Related Words

See predicament.

Etymology

Origin of quandary

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So I put out a call: send me your Thanksgiving quandaries, your culinary existential crises, your “is this normal?” kitchen confessions.

From Salon

They disclosed their quandary Wednesday, at their first public meeting.

From Los Angeles Times

One fast-paced scene after another reveals confidences and arguments, hopes and fears, and of course the eternal quandaries: How much should you tip your dresser?

From New York Times

Most Democrats have a favorable view of President Biden, but only one in four want him to run for reelection in 2024, according to a new poll that underscores a quandary at the White House.

From Washington Times

Examining a can of tuna, Sadaka illustrated the daily quandary faced by shoppers.

From Reuters

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