quandary

[kwon-duh-ree, -dree]

noun

plural

quandaries 

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

The settlement comes as Ugarte’s boss faces his own ethics quandary.

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That quandary is at the root of the contest this time round.

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His god lends a hand in many obstacles, he said, including infertility, relationship quandaries, financial worries and academic struggles.

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Osit wants us to leave the theater chewing over these quandaries, and he’s even willing to let us wonder whether his own movie is a net-positive on the world.

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Despite the show skipping over some of the moral quandaries that arise from dating a pair of brothers, she appreciates how it deals with significant issues.

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Related Words

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