dilemma

noun di·lem·ma \ də-ˈle-mə also dī- \

Definition of dilemma

1 :an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent

2 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 matrimony
—George Farquhar

; broadly :predicament

lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma
—G. M. Trevelyan

3 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 technology
—August Heckscher

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dilemmatic

play \ˌdi-lə-ˈma-tik also -ˌdī-\ adjective

See dilemma defined for English-language learners

See dilemma defined for kids

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 of dilemma from the Web

The pending naming of a starting quarterback is not the biggest dilemma facing Auburn entering fall camp, according to Gus Malzahn.

— james crepea, AL.com, "What does Gus Malzahn feel is the 'biggest question mark' Auburn faces heading into 2017?," 13 July 2017
North Korea’s latest move presents a complex dilemma with no obvious outcome.

— vanityfair.com, "Trump Is About to Face the First Great Test of His Presidency," 5 July 2017
But for Mr. Trump and his national security team, Tuesday’s technical milestone simply underscores tomorrow’s strategic dilemma.

— david e. sanger, New York Times, "What Can Trump Do About North Korea? His Options Are Few and Risky," 4 July 2017
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Oscar Brohm faced a dilemma.

— mike carmin, The Courier-Journal, "No escaping football for Purdue's Brian Brohm," 30 June 2017
Almost every dilemma like this highlights how abnormal Golden State is — how much draft skill, good fortune, and once-in-league-history timing luck the Warriors needed to collect four of the league’s 15 best players.

— matt giles, Longreads, "The Fading Relevance of the NBA Draft," 28 June 2017
Unlike most of O'Neill's work, this play has dilemmas that feel resonant and universal in that quotidian, raising-teenagers kind of way.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "Growing up with the Millers in O'Neill's comedy 'Ah, Wilderness!'," 27 June 2017
For many doctors, Marik’s protocol represents a dilemma.

— jim morrison, Smithsonian, "Could Vitamin C Be the Cure for Deadly Infections?," 27 June 2017
And that will be a continuing dilemma for Republican members of Congress, who will be caught between the unhappiness with Trump of the electorate at large and the enthusiasm of Republican voters.

— alex carp, Daily Intelligencer, "13 Predictions on How Long Trump’s Presidency Will Last," 25 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dilemma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dilemma

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

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First Known Use: 1523

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