Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state of uncertainty or perplexity, especially one requiring a difficult choice between two equally undesirable or unfavorable options. A "dilemma" is a situation where a person is faced with a problematic choice, and all available alternatives seem to have significant negative consequences.

Usage

The word "dilemma" is used to describe a difficult situation where a choice must be made, but no option is clearly good. It often implies being caught between two conflicting principles, obligations, or outcomes. - It is commonly used with verbs like face, be in, solve, resolve, or present. - It is often modified by adjectives like ethical, moral, personal, or political to specify the nature of the difficult choice.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She faced a dilemma: accept the job in a distant city or stay close to her aging parents.
  • The doctor was in a moral dilemma about whether to disclose the full truth to the patient.
  • The budget cuts presented a serious dilemma for the school board.

Advanced Usage

• "on the horns of a dilemma": To be in a situation where you must choose between two equally unpleasant or difficult options.

  • The negotiator was caught on the horns of a dilemma: agree to unfair terms or risk the deal collapsing entirely.

• "ethical dilemma": A specific conflict involving moral principles.

  • The use of AI in warfare creates complex ethical dilemmas.

• "false dilemma": A logical fallacy where only two choices are presented when more exist.

  • The politician's argument was a false dilemma, suggesting we must choose between the economy and the environment.

Variants and Related Words

• Dilemmatic (adj): Relating to or involving a dilemma. (Less common)
  • The dilemmatic nature of the problem made a quick decision impossible.

Synonyms

• Quandary: A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
• Predicament: An unpleasant, troublesome, or trying situation.
• Plight: A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.
• Conundrum: A confusing and difficult problem or question.

Antonyms

• Certainty: Firm conviction that something is the case.
• Solution: A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Between a rock and a hard place: In a situation where one has to choose between two equally undesirable alternatives. (Similar in meaning to "on the horns of a dilemma").
  • With both contracts demanding exclusivity, the freelancer was between a rock and a hard place.

Noun

1. state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options