conundrum

American  

[kuh-nuhn-druhm] / kəˈnʌn drəm /

noun

1. a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.

2. anything that puzzles.

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conundrum British  

/ kəˈnʌndrəm /

noun

1. a riddle, esp one whose answer makes a play on words

2. a puzzling question or problem

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Etymology

Origin of conundrum

First recorded in 1590–1600; pseudo-Latin word of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Another conundrum involves the disappearance of a swimming instructor.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is a moral conundrum that can have no resolution.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Until recently, while stellar rotation was thought to be part of solving this conundrum, limited computing abilities prevented us from quantitatively testing the hypothesis," says Falk Herwig, principal investigator and director of ARC.

From Science Daily

That presents the Fed with a classic conundrum, especially given its dual mandate of maintaining maximum employment and low inflation.

From Barron's

And while so many people out there would love to find themselves with an extra $21,000, I understand your conundrum.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• enigma
• mystery
• riddle