dilemma

American  

[dih-lem-uh] / dɪˈlɛm ə /

noun

1. a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.

2. any difficult or perplexing situation or problem.

   Synonyms:

   difficulty, question

3. Logic. a form of syllogism in which the major premise is formed of two or more hypothetical propositions and the minor premise is a disjunctive proposition, as “If A, then B; if C then D. Either A or C. Therefore, either B or D.”

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dilemma British  

/ dɪˈlɛmə, ˌdɪlɪˈmætɪk, daɪ-, ˌdaɪlɪ- /

noun

1. a situation necessitating a choice between two equal, esp equally undesirable, alternatives

2. a problem that seems incapable of a solution

3. logic a form of argument one of whose premises is the conjunction of two conditional statements and the other of which affirms the disjunction of their antecedents, and whose conclusion is the disjunction of their consequents. Its form is if p then q and if r then s; either p or r so either q or s

4. 1. faced with the choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives

   2. in an awkward situation

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dilemma Idioms  

1. see horns of a dilemma.

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Usage

The use of dilemma to refer to a problem that seems incapable of a solution is considered by some people to be incorrect

Related Words

See predicament.

Other Word Forms

• dilemmatic
  adjective
• dilemmatical
  adjective
• dilemmatically
  adverb
• dilemmic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dilemma

First recorded in 1515–25; from Late Latin, from Greek dílēmma, equivalent to di- “two, twice” ( see di- ¹) + lêmma “an assumption, premise,” derivative of lambánein “to take”

Explanation

A dilemma is a tough choice. When you're in a difficult situation and each option looks equally bad, you're in a dilemma. Dilemma is from a Greek for "double proposition." It was originally a technical term of logic, but we use it now for any time you have a problem with no satisfactory solution. If you're at the mall choosing between red or blue socks, that's not really a dilemma. But if you have to choose whether to save your cat or your dog from a burning building, that's an awful dilemma.

Example Sentences

Appeared in the February 25, 2026, print edition as 'Germany Faces Dilemma Over China Trade Ties'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Soon after, the Prisoner's Dilemma turned into the central topic in game theory.

From Science Daily • Dec. 6, 2024

As part of the documentary The Screening Dilemma, health correspondent Matthew Hill volunteered to have his blood taken by OFH in a portacabin in Swindon, Wiltshire.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2023

Writ large, the entertainment landscape is encountering Clay Christensen’s famous Innovator’s Dilemma in real time.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2023

A book appeared in the stores that morning called The Vermeer Dilemma: What Happens Now?

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett

Related Words

• difficulty
• embarrassment
• impasse
• mess
• plight
• predicament
• problem
• puzzle
• quandary