quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē 

plural quandaries

: a state of perplexity or doubt

Synonyms of quandary

• dilemma

Examples of quandary in a Sentence

Williams's quandary is not unlike that faced by other urban executives who have had to wrestle with a deeply rooted power structure. The problem is especially acute for African American mayors. They are expected to serve as sentries, protecting their cities' black communities and staving off so-called white encroachment. —Jonetta Rose Barras, Washington Post, 15 June 2003

For a sticky philosophical quandary, the questions are pretty simple: am I a clerk charged with selling college degrees or am I involved in a more meaningful experience? Part of me says that no argument is more worthy of my attention. —Lynne Drury Lerych, Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2001

… the inevitable economic quandary that faces a people in the transition from slavery to freedom, and especially those who make that change amid hate and prejudice, lawlessness and ruthless competition. —W. E. B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk, 1903

The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers.

I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either.

Recent Examples on the Web

The film succeeds not only as an examination of the extraordinary quandary facing the couple but also simply as a compelling wartime drama featuring excellent performances from the two leads, who are, like most of the cast, non-professional actors. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Bringing in child actors to play out quandaries about school life led Mann to shift to YouTube, where younger audiences connected with the content. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026

Medical schools, though, are facing a vexing quandary over AI scribes. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 3 Aug. 2026

The Iran war has generated uncertainty over the economic outlook and has driven energy prices higher, intensifying inflationary pressure and creating a quandary for Fed policymakers. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing quandary

• in a quandary

Kids Definition

quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē 

plural quandaries

: a state of confusion or doubt : dilemma

in a quandary about which to choose