trilemma Definition
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between three options that seem equally undesirable.
Using trilemma: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trilemma" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The trilemma of choosing between career, family, and personal life is a common struggle for many people.
Example
The government faces a trilemma in deciding whether to prioritize economic growth, social welfare, or environmental protection.
Example
The trilemma of balancing work, school, and social life can be overwhelming for students.
trilemma Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for trilemma
Phrases with trilemma
a situation in which it is impossible to satisfy all three desirable conditions at the same time
Example
The impossible trilemma of having a fast, cheap, and high-quality product is a challenge for many businesses.
a situation in which it is impossible to have all three of the following: national sovereignty, democracy, and global economic integration
Example
The political trilemma of balancing national interests, democratic values, and international cooperation is a complex issue for policymakers.
a situation in which it is impossible to achieve all three of the following: fixed exchange rates, free capital movement, and an independent monetary policy
Example
The trilemma of the economist highlights the trade-offs between economic stability, financial openness, and monetary autonomy.
Origins of trilemma
from Greek 'tri-', meaning 'three' and 'lemma', meaning 'premise'
Summary: trilemma in Brief
The term 'trilemma' [trahy-lem-uh] refers to a difficult choice among three equally undesirable options. It is commonly used to describe struggles in balancing different aspects of life, such as career, family, and personal life. The phrase 'impossible trilemma' denotes a situation where it is impossible to satisfy all three desirable conditions at the same time, while 'political trilemma' and 'trilemma of the economist' refer to specific challenges in politics and economics.
