dilemma
deye-LEH-muh
Dilemma (noun) means a situation requiring a choice between two or more options, all of which are difficult or unwelcome. Example: “She faced a dilemma: keep the secret or betray her friend’s trust.”
noun
1
A situation requiring a choice between two or more options, all of which are difficult or unwelcome.
"She faced a dilemma: keep the secret or betray her friend’s trust."
"The company was stuck in a moral dilemma over the layoffs."
"I'm in a real dilemma about whether to take the new job or stay put."
How to use dilemma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tough choice between two options that both have downsides.
Common mistake
Spelled "dilemma," not "delimma" or "dilemna" — there’s no silent n.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
face a dilemma
moral dilemma
ethical dilemma
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Word forms
- Plural
- dilemmas, dilemmata
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She faced a _____: keep the secret or betray her friend’s trust.
Etymology
From Late Latin dilemma, from Greek dilemma, "double proposition" — from di-, "two," plus lemma, "premise."
Synonyms
View more →
bind
predicament
impasse
Catch-22
Hobson's choice
Morton's fork
no-win situation
quandary
Sophie's choice
Related words
Rhymes for dilemma
See all rhymes for dilemma →Frequently asked questions
What does “dilemma” mean?
The word “dilemma” means a situation requiring a choice between two or more options, all of which are difficult or unwelcome. In plain terms, a tough choice between two options that both have downsides.
How do you pronounce “dilemma”?
“Dilemma” is pronounced deye-LEH-muh (/daɪˈlɛmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “dilemma” in a sentence?
Here is “dilemma” used in a sentence: “She faced a dilemma: keep the secret or betray her friend’s trust.”
What is another word for “dilemma”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dilemma” include Catch-22, Hobson's choice, Morton's fork, no-win situation, quandary and Sophie's choice.
What part of speech is “dilemma”?
“Dilemma” is a noun.
Where does the word “dilemma” come from?
The word “dilemma” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin dilemma, from Greek dilemma, "double proposition" — from di-, "two," plus lemma, "premise.".
Is “dilemma” a common word?
“Dilemma” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "dilemma" and a "problem"?
A "problem" is any difficulty needing a solution, but a "dilemma" specifically involves choosing between two or more options that are all difficult or unwelcome. A dilemma is a special kind of problem defined by the tough choice itself, not just by an obstacle to overcome.
Is it correct to say "on the horns of a dilemma"?
Yes, this is a traditional idiom meaning someone is caught between two equally difficult options, with "horns" representing the two unwelcome choices. It emphasizes just how uncomfortable and unavoidable the choice feels.
Can a "dilemma" have more than two options?
While the word's roots point to a choice between exactly two options, "dilemma" is now commonly used for any situation requiring a choice among several difficult or unwelcome alternatives. Strict usage guides still prefer reserving it for two-option situations, but broader use is widely accepted.
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