Dilemma
/dɪˈlɛmə/
Definitions
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.
/dɪˈlɛmə/
A situation forcing a choice between equally unfavorable alternatives.
The student faced a dilemma: study for the exam or attend the party.
💡 Simply: It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place! You have to make a tough decision, but no matter which way you go, things might be a bit tricky.
👶 For kids: It's when you have to pick one thing, but both choices are hard or not good.
More Examples
The ethical dilemma the scientists faced was whether to use the potentially harmful medicine.
She was in a dilemma about which job offer to accept.
He grappled with the dilemma of betraying his friend or telling the truth.
How It's Used
"The company faced a dilemma: cut costs and risk damaging morale, or maintain current spending and face potential financial trouble."
"The doctor struggled with the ethical dilemma of whether to report a patient's potential harm to others."
"The politician found himself in a political dilemma, needing to choose between two policies that would upset different voter bases."
From Greek δίλημμα (dilemma), meaning "double proposition," from di- (two) + lemma (assumption, premise). It originally referred to a logical argument presenting two options, both leading to an undesirable conclusion. The modern meaning focuses on a difficult choice between two options.
Originally used in logic to describe arguments presenting two options. Its usage has expanded over time to encompass any situation involving a difficult choice.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'di' (two) 'lemma' (choices) – a double bind or a difficult choice between two tough options.