Everyday · Often misused · Philosophy & belief
Dilemma: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Dilemma noun. A situation where you must choose between two options that are both difficult or unwelcome.
How to say it
dih-LEM-uh/dɪˈlɛmə/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (LEM).
Dilemma in a sentence
Her dilemma: take the dream job abroad or stay near her ageing parents.
Doctors in a crowded A&E face the dilemma of whom to treat first.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- quandary
- predicament
- bind
- catch-22
Careful
A dilemma is a hard choice between alternatives, not just any problem. Using it for a simple difficulty, like a flat tyre, is common but blunts a useful word.
Where dilemma comes from
From Greek dilēmma, from di-, twice, and lēmma, a premise.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Doctors in a crowded A&E face the _____ of whom to treat first.
- dilemma
- enormity
- travesty
Show the answer
dilemma: Doctors in a crowded A&E face the dilemma of whom to treat first.