dilemma
/daɪˈlɛmə/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: dilemmas · dilemmata
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
Noun
Examples
A strong dilemma in a desperate case! / To act with infamy, or quit the place.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Any difficult circumstance or problem.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “dilemma” mean?
A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
Is “dilemma” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.