trilemma

American  

[trahy-lem-uh] / traɪˈlɛm ə /

noun

1. a situation, analogous to a dilemma, in which there are three almost equally undesirable alternatives.

   His trilemma consisted in not knowing whether to acknowledge receipt, deny it, or simply leave.

2. Logic. a form of argument in which three choices are presented, each of which is indicated to have consequences that may be unfavorable.

---

trilemma British  

/ traɪˈlɛmə /

noun

1. a quandary posed by three alternative courses of action

2. an argument one of the premises of which is the disjunction of three statements from each of which the same conclusion is derived

---

Etymology

Origin of trilemma

First recorded in 1665–75; tri- + (di)lemma

Example Sentences

The U.S. doesn’t yet have the trilemma created by conflicting demands on tax, spending and borrowing, thanks to global demand for dollars funneling money into Treasurys.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

But the book’s main conclusion is that there is no winning the trilemma, and no resolution to a bankrupt transit agency, city, or state that is going to make everyone happy.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2023

Faced with this trilemma, most rich countries let the currency float freely.

From Economist • Jun. 28, 2018

What my visit to the Grid reminded me is that it will do nothing to resolve the energy trilemma long term.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2013

Red Butte Western opinion was somewhat divided as to which horn of the trilemma the victim of Rufford's displeasure would choose, all admitting that, for the moment, the choice lay with the superintendent.

From The Taming of Red Butte Western by Lynde, Francis