dilemma

noun

di·​lem·​ma də-ˈle-mə How to pronounce dilemma (audio)
 also  dī-
1
a
: a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice
faces this dilemma: raise interest rates and slow the economy or lower them and risk serious inflation
b
: a situation involving such a choice
here am I brought to a very pretty dilemma; I must commit murder or commit matrimonyGeorge Farquhar
broadly : predicament
lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma G. M. Trevelyan
2
a
: a problem involving a difficult choice
the dilemma of "liberty versus order"J. M. Burns
b
: a difficult or persistent problem
unemployment … the great central dilemma of our advancing technologyAugust Heckscher
3
: an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent
dilemmatic
ˌdi-lə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce dilemma (audio)
 also  ˌdī-
adjective
Usage of Dilemma

Although some commentators insist that dilemma be restricted to instances in which the alternatives to be chosen are equally unsatisfactory, their concern is misplaced; the unsatisfactoriness of the options is usually a matter of how the author presents them. What is distressing or painful about a dilemma is having to make a choice one does not want to make. The use of such adjectives as terrible, painful, and irreconcilable suggests that dilemma is losing some of its unpleasant force.

Examples of dilemma in a Sentence

When it comes to the boss, there is a real dilemma. You're caught between a career-limiting rejection of virtual friendship or a career-limiting access to photos of yourself glassy-eyed at a party. Jared Sandberg, Wall Street Journal, 10 July 2007
What's a pampered 20-something to do when her rich fiancé goes on a business trip and comes back married to someone else? That's the dilemma facing Elle Medina in Nichols's delightfully silly, vivacious debut. Publishers Weekly, 28 June 2004
Both authors are prepared to dwell as long on the savor of a ripe melon as on the significance of a moral dilemma. Roger Shattuck, New York Review of Books, 13 June 2002
The country's decision to go to war has caused a major dilemma for its allies. We're facing a terrible dilemma. I don't know what to do; it's a real dilemma.
Recent Examples on the Web Facing the dilemma of choosing between a career as a tax attorney and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Aside from having to constantly prove themselves and talk in a manner that can’t be labeled as angry or emotional, obtaining top managerial positions doesn’t stop the double dilemma of racial and gender pay gaps. Terry Tang, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 In 2025 — or sometime in 2026, if Congress’s aversion to meeting critical fiscal deadlines is any guide — congressional leaders and the next president will be thrashing out a solution to this entirely predictable tax dilemma. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Technology exists to assist health plans with the provider data dilemma, but solid leadership and change management are necessary to assist organizations through the process of using the new technology for provider data management. Tammy Hawes, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Since 2017, Parker’s openings have posed a parking dilemma for his neighbors on the winding hillside. Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 That preference poses a dilemma for UBS Group AG, which now owns Credit Suisse. Cathy Chan, Fortune Asia, 26 Feb. 2024 Experts say overtime this changing landscape could lead to a dilemma: save the state’s iconic beaches or wall them off to protect the cliffside homes. Liz Kreutz, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 The original show excelled at melding thrilling action with introspective moral dilemmas, and Cormier deftly handles some of the show’s more serious moments. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dilemma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Late Greek dilēmmat-, dilēmma, probably back-formation from Greek dilēmmatos involving two assumptions, from di- + lēmmat-, lēmma assumption — more at lemma

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of dilemma was in 1523

Dictionary Entries Near dilemma

Cite this Entry

“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilemma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dilemma

noun
di·​lem·​ma də-ˈlem-ə How to pronounce dilemma (audio)
 also  dī-
: a situation in which one has to choose between two or more things, ways, or plans that are equally unsatisfactory : a difficult choice

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