Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dilemma

noun
dih-LEM-uh
Definition
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Examples
  • He faced a moral dilemma when he had to choose between helping a friend and doing the right thing.
  • The dilemma of whether to stay at the job he disliked or take the risk of being unemployed was troubling him.
Meaning
A dilemma is a type of problem where a person has to choose between options that involve a conflict or a tough decision.
Synonyms
  • predicament
  • quandary
  • conundrum
  • plight
  • bind