Dilemma

Definition

Dilemma refers to a situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more undesirable or equally difficult alternatives. It often implies a situation where there are no easy or clear solutions, and each option involves some form of compromise or consequence.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daɪˈlɛmə/ or /dɪˈlɛmə/
• Respelling: dye-LEM-uh or dih-LEM-uh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daɪˈlɛmə/ or /dɪˈlɛmə/
• Respelling: dye-LEM-uh or dih-LEM-uh

The pronunciation of "dilemma" is similar in both American and British English, though regional variations in pronunciation may occur.

Etymology

The word "dilemma" comes from the Greek "dilemma," which is formed from "di-" meaning "two" and "lēmma" meaning "premise" or "proposition." It was adopted into Late Latin before entering the English language in the 16th century, where it has since been used to describe difficult or challenging decisions involving conflicting choices.

Derivatives

• Dilemmatic (adjective)
• Dilemmal (adjective)
• Undilemmatic (adjective)
• Predicament (related noun)
• Non-dilemmatic (adjective)

Synonyms

• Predicament
• Quandary
• Conundrum

Antonyms

• Solution
• Certainty
• Resolution

Usage

The term "dilemma" is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations where a difficult decision needs to be made, particularly when the available choices are not ideal. It is often employed in ethical discussions, everyday decision-making, and philosophical debates.

Related Terms

• Quandary: A state of uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
• Predicament: A difficult or unpleasant situation from which there is no easy escape.
• Conundrum: A confusing or difficult problem or question, often with no clear answer.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives: Refers to a problem or issue that has two or more problematic solutions.
  • Example: "She faced a moral dilemma about whether to report the misconduct."
• A difficult or perplexing situation: Describes any scenario in which the available choices are difficult or confusing.
  • Example: "He found himself in a dilemma over which career path to pursue."