a situation in chess where a player is forced to make a disadvantageous move, a situation where any decision or move made will result in a negative outcome

Formal and Informal Expressions of zugzwang

In different contexts, you can replace 'zugzwang' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'dilemma, predicament' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'pickle, tight spot' is a commonplace synonym.

zugzwang: Explore its Definition & Usage

zugzwang Definition

1a situation in chess where a player is forced to make a disadvantageous move
2a situation where any decision or move made will result in a negative outcome

Using zugzwang: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "zugzwang" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
In chess, the player was in zugzwang and had to make a move that would ultimately lead to their defeat.
Example
The company was in a financial zugzwang, with no good options for recovery.

zugzwang Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for zugzwang

Phrases with zugzwang

political zugzwang
a political situation where all possible options lead to negative consequences
Example
The government was in a political zugzwang, with no clear path forward on the issue.
economic zugzwang
an economic situation where all possible options lead to negative consequences
Example
The country was in an economic zugzwang, with no easy solutions to the recession.
personal zugzwang
a personal situation where all possible options lead to negative consequences
Example
She felt like she was in a personal zugzwang, unable to make a decision without causing harm to someone she cared about.

Origins of zugzwang

from German 'zug' meaning 'move' and 'zwang' meaning 'compulsion'

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Summary: zugzwang in Brief

'Zugzwang' [ˈtsuːktsvaŋ] refers to a situation in chess where a player is forced to make a disadvantageous move, or more generally, any situation where any decision or move made will result in a negative outcome. It can be applied to various contexts, such as politics, economics, and personal situations. Synonyms include 'dilemma', 'predicament', and 'quandary'.