Definition of dilemma
1 : an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent
2a : a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice faces this dilemma: raise interest rates and slow the economy or lower them and risk serious inflationb : 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
3a : a problem involving a difficult choice the dilemma of “liberty versus order” — J. M. Burnsb : a difficult or persistent problem unemployment … the great central dilemma of our advancing technology — August Heckscher
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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
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This response reflects the common U.S. foreign policy dilemma of trying to balance straightforward national security interests with promoting democracy.
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Investors argue that choosing between paying the bonds and feeding the population is a false dilemma -- both would be possible if the government wasn’t rife with corruption and mismanagement.
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Delta Air Lines had quite a doggie dilemma last week.
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Wharton wrote about euthanasia again in her 1907 novel The Fruit of the Tree, in which a similar ethical dilemma serves as a major plot point.
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Such is the dilemma of Digital Age business models.
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Best-dressed Dad Solve the dilemma of what to get Dad for Father’s Day by opting to get him a tie from the Cliburn gift shop.
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The students at Jacobs present an interesting dilemma, the superintendent said.
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Outside of pop culture, however, the decommissioning of the boat highlights a dilemma facing the Navy, the defense industry and taxpayers.
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
First Known Use: 1523
DILEMMA Defined for English Language Learners
dilemma
playDefinition of dilemma for English Language Learners
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: a situation in which you have to make a difficult choice
DILEMMA Defined for Kids
dilemma
playDefinition of dilemma for Students
: a situation in which a person has to choose between things that are all bad or unsatisfactory He was faced with the dilemma of having to tell on his best friend, or not telling and getting blamed himself.
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dilemma Spanish Central: Translation of dilemma Nglish: Translation of dilemma for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dilemma for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dilemma
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