dilemma Definition
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.
Using dilemma: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dilemma" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I'm in a dilemma about whether to tell her the truth or not.
Example
The company is facing a dilemma over whether to expand or not.
Example
He was caught in a dilemma between his loyalty to his family and his duty to his country.
dilemma Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for dilemma
Idioms Using dilemma
Example
He was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea when he had to choose between his job and his family.
a situation where a person must choose between two equally unpleasant options
Example
She was on the horns of a dilemma when she had to choose between her two best friends.
a situation where there is no good choice and any decision will have negative consequences
Example
He was in a dilemma where he was damned if he did and damned if he didn't.
Phrases with dilemma
a situation where a person must choose between two or more morally correct options that are in conflict
Example
The doctor faced an ethical dilemma when he had to decide whether to save the mother or the baby.
catch-22 dilemma
a situation in which a person is trapped by contradictory rules or conditions
Example
He was in a catch-22 dilemma because he needed experience to get a job, but he couldn't get a job without experience.
a situation in which a person is given a choice of taking what is offered or nothing at all
Example
The workers were given a Hobson's choice dilemma: accept the pay cut or lose their jobs.
Origins of dilemma
from Greek 'di-' meaning 'two' + 'lemma' meaning 'premise'
Summary: dilemma in Brief
The term 'dilemma' [dɪˈlemə] refers to a situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable. It can range from personal to professional contexts, as exemplified by 'He was caught in a dilemma between his loyalty to his family and his duty to his country.' 'Dilemma' extends into phrases like 'ethical dilemma,' and idioms like 'between the devil and the deep blue sea,' denoting equally unpleasant choices.
