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

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

Read more on Salon

But by the end of last year, he had grappled with the ethical quandary and come out on the side of trying something different.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But that creates a quandary of his own making, as leaving the company would still cost him control of the robot business and everything else he has built at Tesla.

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The settlement comes as Ugarte’s boss faces his own ethics quandary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That quandary is at the root of the contest this time round.

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Related Words

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