Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

moral-dilemma

noun

/ˈmɔːrəl dɪˈlɛm.ə/

Definition

A situation in which a person faces conflicting moral principles, making it difficult to decide the right course of action.

Examples

Choosing whether to lie to protect a friend’s feelings presents a moral dilemma.
The whistleblower faced a moral dilemma between loyalty to her employer and the need to report wrongdoing.

Meaning

A moral dilemma often puts an individual’s ethical beliefs in conflict, requiring a choice between two or more significant, but opposing, values or principles.