conundrum Definition
- 1a confusing and difficult problem or question
- 2a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words
Using conundrum: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "conundrum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The conundrum of how to reduce traffic congestion in the city remains unsolved.
Example
The riddle was a conundrum that stumped even the smartest kids in class.
Example
The conundrum facing the company is how to increase profits without sacrificing quality.
Example
The conundrum of whether to stay in a job you hate or quit and risk financial instability is a tough one.
conundrum Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using conundrum
Example
The motives behind his actions are a conundrum wrapped in an enigma.
a situation that is already difficult to understand or solve, but becomes even more complicated when additional factors are considered
Example
The conundrum of how to improve public transportation in the city is a conundrum within a conundrum when you factor in budget constraints and political opposition.
a language-related problem that is difficult to solve
Example
Translating poetry is a linguistic conundrum because it involves not only finding equivalent words in another language, but also preserving the rhythm and tone of the original work.
Phrases with conundrum
Example
The refugee crisis has become a political conundrum for many countries.
Example
The conundrum of how to balance economic growth with environmental protection is a major challenge for policymakers.
a complex mathematical problem that is difficult to solve
Example
The Riemann Hypothesis is one of the most famous mathematical conundrums that has yet to be solved.
Origins of conundrum
origin unknown, possibly from Latin 'conondrum', meaning 'a whimsical musical instrument'
Summary: conundrum in Brief
The term 'conundrum' [kəˈnʌndrəm] refers to a difficult problem or question, often with no clear solution. It can also refer to a riddle that involves wordplay. Examples include 'The conundrum of how to reduce traffic congestion in the city remains unsolved.' and 'The riddle was a conundrum that stumped even the smartest kids in class.' The term extends into phrases like 'political conundrum,' and idioms like 'a conundrum wrapped in an enigma,' denoting extreme difficulty in understanding or explaining a situation.
