noun

quandary

KWON-duh-ree

Quandary (noun) means a state of being unsure what to do, especially when facing a difficult choice. Example: “She was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer.”

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noun

A state of being unsure what to do, especially when facing a difficult choice.

"She was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer."

"The team found itself in a quandary after the lead engineer quit mid-project."

How to use quandary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA confusing, tricky situation where it is hard to decide what to do.

Common pairings

in a quandary a moral quandary face a quandary

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: quandaries

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She was in a _____ about whether to accept the job offer.

Etymology

First recorded in the 1500s; its exact origin is unclear, though some scholars think it may be a playful reshaping of the older word "wandreth," meaning trouble or hardship.

· First attested 1500

Class of 1500 quandary joined the language around 1500.

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Synonyms

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dilemma plight predicament

Related words

problem emergency crisis jam dilemma plight predicament troth

Rhymes for quandary

vary Mary nary wary Gary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary

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Frequently asked questions

What does “quandary” mean?

The word “quandary” means a state of being unsure what to do, especially when facing a difficult choice. In plain terms, a confusing, tricky situation where it is hard to decide what to do.

How do you pronounce “quandary”?

“Quandary” is pronounced KWON-duh-ree (/ˈkwɑn.də.ɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “quandary” in a sentence?

Here is “quandary” used in a sentence: “She was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer.”

What part of speech is “quandary”?

“Quandary” is a noun.

Where does the word “quandary” come from?

The word “quandary” dates back to around 1500. First recorded in the 1500s; its exact origin is unclear, though some scholars think it may be a playful reshaping of the older word "wandreth," meaning trouble or hardship.

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