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

However, there is a moral conundrum hovering over your letter: “What do I owe him?”

From MarketWatch

There are almost no conundrums faced by Sir Keir and his government that this war does not make even harder.

From BBC

‘I have a moral and ethical conundrum’: My husband was killed by a careless driver.

From MarketWatch

The conundrum is that carmakers get far better profit margins on more expensive trucks and SUVs—and sedans are a shrinking piece of the market.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, like with Michael Carrick at Manchester United, it may well be an intriguing conundrum if he hits the ground running and sustains a good run of form through what is left of the season.

From BBC

Related Words

• enigma
• mystery
• riddle