Definition of dilemma
1a
: 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 matrimony— George Farquhar
broadly
: predicament
lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma — G. M. Trevelyan
2a
: 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 technology— August Heckscher
3
: an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for dilemma
The first known use of dilemma was in 1523
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