quandary

American  

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

noun

plural

quandaries

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

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quandary British  

/ -dərɪ, ˈkwɒndrɪ /

noun

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

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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

The uncertainty is a quandary for the Federal Reserve.

From Barron's

Two other planes—one operated by Iberia Airlines and a private jet—ended up in a similar quandary.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is the central quandary of the shot diet: deciding where on the floor to feast.

From The Wall Street Journal

The quandary is on display now at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

From The Wall Street Journal

Powell’s concern involves a quandary that the Labor Department faces when measuring hiring: how to judge the number of jobs added or destroyed when new businesses are created or close down.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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