predicament
4 synonyms for predicament, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A difficult, awkward, or unpleasant situation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use predicament
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a difficult predicament
find yourself in a predicament
get out of a predicament
Etymology
From Late Latin praedicamentum, \"that which is predicated or asserted,\" via Old French — the meaning later narrowed to describe a tricky spot to be in.
Full origin of predicament →Frequently asked questions
What does “predicament” mean?
The word “predicament” means a difficult, awkward, or unpleasant situation. In plain terms, a tough or tricky spot to be stuck in, usually with no easy way out.
How do you pronounce “predicament”?
“Predicament” is pronounced prih-DIH-kuh-muhnt (/pɹɪˈdɪkəmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “predicament” in a sentence?
Here is “predicament” used in a sentence: “Losing his wallet and phone on the same day left him in quite a predicament.”
What is another word for “predicament”?
Words with a similar meaning to “predicament” include plight.
What part of speech is “predicament”?
“Predicament” is a noun.
Where does the word “predicament” come from?
The word “predicament” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin praedicamentum, \"that which is predicated or asserted,\" via Old French — the meaning later narrowed to describe a tricky spot to be in.
Is “predicament” a common word?
“Predicament” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
