Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

real-dilemma

noun

/ˈriːəl dɪˈlɛm.ə/

Definition

A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more alternatives that are equally undesirable or have similarly significant consequences.

Examples

When choosing between career advancement and family obligations, she found herself in a real-dilemma.
The committee faced a real-dilemma regarding budget cuts that would impact vital programs.

Meaning

The term ‘real-dilemma’ refers to a challenging situation where a person faces a decision-making process that is complicated by the potential negative outcomes of the options available. It indicates a genuine conflict in choosing between options, each of which presents its own challenges.