dilemma

American  

[dih-lem-uh] / dɪˈlɛm ə /

noun

• dilemmas
  plural

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

Synonym Usage

See predicament.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• dilemmas
  plural

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

See Examples For:

dilemma dilemmas

Now their country, which is lower than sea level, finds itself, in an era of global warming, facing a dilemma: how to retain water while protecting themselves from it?

From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026

The end of the consultations has brought renewed focus on the prime minister's dilemma.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

This presents a strategic dilemma for the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

“The dilemma in this case was not counsel’s ability to perform,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

Not: Miss Mapp was diagnosed with poison ivy. dilemma.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

“Sisters of the Midnight Sun” addresses the ethical dilemmas involved in criminal defense when the crimes are particularly heinous.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

By the end, screenwriter Ana Nogueira tees up some compelling moral dilemmas about the ethics of revenge, but Gillespie’s direction fails to entertain them with the weight they deserve.

From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026

And those two decisions in central defence and on the left-side of England's attack look to be the biggest dilemmas facing Tuchel.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

Besides, D.C. could even offer the DNC a solution to what is otherwise sure to be a process full of hideous legal and political dilemmas.

From Slate ● May 26, 2026

The children continued to discuss how to best go about returning to their old habits, and pondered the ethical dilemmas that might pop up.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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