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DILEMMA Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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View synonyms for dilemma

dilemma

[ dih-lem-uh ]

noun

  1. a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
  2. any difficult or perplexing situation or problem.

    Synonyms: difficulty, question

  3. Logic. a form of syllogism in which the major premise is formed of two or more hypothetical propositions and the minor premise is a disjunctive proposition, as “If A, then B; if C then D. Either A or C. Therefore, either B or D.”


dilemma

/ dɪˈlɛmə; ˌdɪlɪˈmætɪk; daɪ-; ˌdaɪlɪ- /

noun

  1. a situation necessitating a choice between two equal, esp equally undesirable, alternatives
  2. a problem that seems incapable of a solution
  3. logic a form of argument one of whose premises is the conjunction of two conditional statements and the other of which affirms the disjunction of their antecedents, and whose conclusion is the disjunction of their consequents. Its form is if p then q and if r then s; either p or r so either q or s
  4. on the horns of a dilemma
    1. faced with the choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives
    2. in an awkward situation
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

The use of dilemma to refer to a problem that seems incapable of a solution is considered by some people to be incorrect
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Derived Forms

  • dilemmatic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • dil·em·mat·ic [dil-, uh, -, mat, -ik], dilem·mati·cal di·lemmic adjective
  • dilem·mati·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dilemma1

First recorded in 1515–25; from Late Latin, from Greek dílēmma, equivalent to di- “two, twice” ( di- 1 ) + lêmma “an assumption, premise,” derivative of lambánein “to take”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dilemma1

C16: via Latin from Greek, from di- 1+ lēmma assumption, proposition, from lambanein to take, grasp
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Idioms and Phrases

see horns of a dilemma .
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

In ‘99% Perspiration,’ data and stories illustrate the roots and consequences of a very American dilemma: the belief that old-fashioned elbow grease will get you anywhere you want to go.

The recovery of the saltwater crocodile has been so dramatic that Australia now faces a different dilemma: managing their numbers to keep people safe and the public onside.

From BBC

With family drama, career ambitions and romantic dilemmas taking centre stage, we're anticipating an ambitious, juicy epic that will hopefully be worth the wait.

From BBC

“The rising cost of child care across the country presents a tough dilemma: Parents are forced to choose between remaining in the workforce or staying home with their children,” he said in a statement.

The dilemma points to another question — large, existential, and increasingly urgent: What “action” can people take?

From Salon

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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