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

UC faces the same quandary as other institutions that have tried to reach accords with the administration.

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The quandary underscores how certain restrictions placed on online children’s content cap the ability to monetize all that attention.

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This set off a late-night scramble to find another flight, a quandary hundreds of thousands of travelers have faced since the government required airlines to temporarily shrink their schedules last week.

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The renovation conceived to remedy this quandary naturally expanded to include a long-overdue restoration of the Heath tiles, as well as a refreshed sculpture garden with new resin-bound gravel pathways.

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The relative financial collapse of Cuomo’s campaign also reflects his political quandary.

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Related Words

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