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What is another word for Dilemma? – 276 Dilemma Synonyms

    Need another word for Dilemma? Use these synonyms of Dilemma from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    conundrum predicament quandary impasse deadlock stalemate problem difficulty complication plight situation crisis emergency uncertainty ambiguity perplexity enigma puzzle riddle mystery paradox ambiguity uncertainty confusion disorder chaos turmoil trouble hassle inconvenience snag hitch obstacle barrier blockage impasse bind fix jam pickle mess muddle tangle knot snarl complication entanglement embarrassment discomfort unease anxiety worry concern trouble disturbance disruption upheaval

    Meaning of Dilemma

    A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, neither of which is clearly preferable.

    Definitions

    • A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, neither of which is clearly preferable
    • A problem that is difficult to solve or resolve
    • A choice or situation that requires a decision between two equally unfavorable options

    Etymology of Dilemma

    The word "dilemma" comes from the Greek word "δίλημμα" (dilemma), which means "a double proposition", from "δίς" (dis), meaning "twice" and "λήμμα" (lemma), meaning "proposition" or "premise"
    The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a situation in which a choice must be made between two equally unfavorable options

    Example Uses

    • The company is facing a dilemma: either to invest in new technology or to reduce staff to cut costs
    • She was in a dilemma about whether to accept the job offer or to stay in her current position
    • The government is facing a dilemma over how to balance the budget without raising taxes

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    solution answer resolution clarification simplicity ease convenience comfort certainty confidence security stability peace tranquility harmony unity coherence consistency clarity precision accuracy certainty assurance guarantee promise commitment obligation duty responsibility freedom flexibility option choice alternative possibility opportunity advantage benefit gain profit advantage asset

    Related Nouns

    problem situation crisis emergency uncertainty ambiguity perplexity enigma puzzle riddle mystery paradox ambiguity uncertainty confusion disorder chaos turmoil trouble hassle inconvenience snag hitch obstacle barrier blockage impasse bind fix jam pickle mess muddle tangle knot snarl complication entanglement embarrassment discomfort unease anxiety worry concern

    Related Verbs

    face encounter experience meet confront tackle address resolve solve decide choose select opt prefer weigh consider ponder deliberate hesitate vacillate waver fluctuate alternate oscillate swing teeter balance juggle reconcile mediate negotiate compromise settle fix mend repair resolve clarify simplify ease facilitate assist help support

    Related Adjectives

    difficult challenging complicated complex tricky puzzling perplexing enigmatic mysterious ambiguous uncertain unclear confusing disorderly chaotic turbulent troublesome inconvenient awkward uncomfortable uneasy anxious worried concerned problematic problematical trying taxing demanding exacting strenuous laborious arduous burdensome heavy weighty serious grave critical crucial vital essential important significant substantial material relevant pertinent applicable useful helpful valuable beneficial advantageous favorable propitious opportune timely suitable appropriate fitting proper adequate sufficient satisfactory acceptable tolerable bearable endurable supportable manageable controllable soluble resolvable negotiable reconcilable mediable compromisable settleable fixable mendable repairable clarifiable simplifiable easeable facilitable assistable helpable supportable