dilemma
B2Formal and informal. Common in written analysis and everyday serious discussion.
Definition
Meaning
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
In logic, an argument forcing an opponent to choose between two (or more) unfavorable alternatives. More broadly, any problematic situation that seems to offer no good solution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies two equally balanced, unpleasant choices. Modern usage sometimes extends to any difficult problem, but purists maintain the 'two-option' core. The 'trilemma' (three options) is a less common, logical extension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical. Carries the same weight of difficult, often ethical, decision-making.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties. Slightly more common in academic and news registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] + face/be in/confront + a dilemmaa dilemma + of + [gerund/noun phrase] (e.g., the dilemma of choosing)[subject] + pose/present + a dilemma + for + [person/entity]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the horns of a dilemma”
- “a catch-22 situation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board faces the classic dilemma of investing in innovation versus protecting shareholder dividends.
Academic
The researcher's methodological dilemma centred on balancing quantitative breadth with qualitative depth.
Everyday
I'm in a real dilemma about whether to accept the job far from home or stay near my family.
Technical
In game theory, the prisoner's dilemma models a situation where individual rationality leads to a collectively worse outcome.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The dilemma situation was complex.
American English
- It was a dilemma scenario.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a dilemma: should I have pizza or pasta for dinner?
- She faced a dilemma when her two best friends invited her to different parties on the same night.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LEMMing (a small animal) at a fork in the road with two dangerous paths. The poor lemming has a DI-lemma. (DI = two, LEMMA = lemming).
Conceptual Metaphor
A CROSSROADS (a point of decision between two paths).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'дилемма' for every 'problem'. Russian 'дилемма' is used more narrowly for a strictly two-option, logical problem. Using it for a general 'сложная ситуация' sounds overly formal or technical.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean any problem ('My computer has a dilemma' is wrong).
- Spelling it as 'dilemna' (a common misspelling).
- Using 'dilemma' for a positive choice ('a happy dilemma').
Practice
Quiz
What is the core element of a true dilemma?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes (from Greek 'di-' meaning two). In modern usage, it is commonly used for any difficult choice among multiple bad options, though some style guides prefer the traditional meaning.
Yes, it's a classic idiom meaning to be forced to choose between two equally unpleasant alternatives.
They are close synonyms. A 'dilemma' often emphasises the specific, opposing nature of the options. A 'quandary' can be a state of general perplexity or doubt without strictly defined opposing choices.
The choice itself is between unwelcome alternatives, but one outcome of that choice might be judged as 'less bad' or lead to a positive resolution later. The situation at the point of decision is defined by lack of good options.
Collections
Part of a collection
Formal Debate Language
C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.
High-Level Idiomatic Expressions
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