dilemma

[ dih-lem-uh ]

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.”

dilemma

/ 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. on the horns of a dilemma
   1. faced with the choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives
   2. in an awkward situation

Usage

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

Derived Forms

• dilemmatic, adjective

Other Words From

• dil·em·mat·ic [dil-, uh, -, mat, -ik], dilem·mati·cal di·lemmic adjective
• dilem·mati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilemma¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilemma¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, from di- ¹+ lēmma assumption, proposition, from lambanein to take, grasp

Idioms and Phrases

see horns of a dilemma .

Synonym Study

See predicament.

Example Sentences

Therein lies the seemingly intractable dilemma of humanity’s intimate relationship with this tropical tree.

From Nautilus

Stuck in this dilemma of the party’s own making, silence can be as good as it gets.

From Washington Blade

I can tell you firsthand, it is a pleasure to participate in discussions with students so attuned to the complex ethical dilemmas their employers face.

From Quartz

I’m curious how you would describe what you see to be his dilemma.

From Freakonomics

What if the dilemma stems from them forming trust based on “gut feeling” in the meetings, but lacking enough knowledge to judge whether the projected results will, in the end, be achieved.

From Search Engine Land

Herein lies the great dilemma then for the advocates of amnesty.

From The Daily Beast

These patients, often thought of as brain dead, present a distinct ethical dilemma.

From The Daily Beast

Is behind-the-scenes duplicity, cloaked in coming-of-age business dilemma, the new norm for major-label moves?

From The Daily Beast

We saw Tyreese in this episode caught in the middle of the “hunt or be hunted” dilemma.

From The Daily Beast

This is the core dilemma for conservatives on same-sex marriage: The more widespread its practice, the more accepted it becomes.

From The Daily Beast

The porter of the firm mercifully interposed to rescue Mr Brammel from his dilemma.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the new scheme respecting the Netherlands, he shrewdly propounded a dilemma which silenced Pomponne and Torcy.

From Project Gutenberg

I am placed between the horns of a dilemma: one lady clamours for the bare truth: another forbids me to say anything unpleasing.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsieur de Fontanges soon made his appearance, when the lady explained to him their dilemma, and requested his assistance.

From Project Gutenberg

The sphinx, which men have imagined concealing herself in the cloud, seemed to mock him with a dilemma.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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