quandary

[kwon-duh-ree, -dree]

noun

plural

quandaries 

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

quandary

/ -dərɪ, ˈkwɒndrɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quandary¹

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps fancifully from Latin quand(ō) “when” + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of quandary¹

C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Latin quandō when

Synonym Study

See predicament.

Example Sentences

Osit wants us to leave the theater chewing over these quandaries, and he’s even willing to let us wonder whether his own movie is a net-positive on the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the show skipping over some of the moral quandaries that arise from dating a pair of brothers, she appreciates how it deals with significant issues.

From BBC

Norris unquestionably deserved the second place on the balance of the race, but his pit stop problem left the team with an agonising quandary.

From BBC

Such is his quandary he knows whatever he and his vice-captains decide will be debated ferociously until the match itself delivers its verdict.

From BBC

But the ransom demand remains, forcing King into a painful moral quandary: whether to face financial ruin in order to save his loyal friend’s son.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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