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dilemma

[dɪˈlemə]

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

Antonyms for dilemma

Idioms Using dilemma

  • a situation where there are two equally unpleasant choices

    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.

  • damned if you do, damned if you don't

    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.

  • Hobson's choice dilemma

    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'

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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.

How do native speakers use this expression?