trilemma

[ trahy-lem-uh ]

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.

Origin of trilemma

1
First recorded in 1665–75; tri- + (di)lemma

Words Nearby trilemma

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How to use trilemma in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for trilemma

trilemma

/ (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

Origin of trilemma

1
C17: formed on the model of dilemma, from tri- + Greek lēmma assumption

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