Quandary
WordNet
noun
(1) State of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
(2) A situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
"Finds himself in a most awkward predicament"
"The woeful plight of homeless people"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
16th century. Origin unknown; perhaps a dialectal corruption (simulating a word of Latin origin with suffix -ary) of < < < .
Noun
- A state of not knowing what to decide; a state of difficulty or perplexity; a state of uncertainty, hesitation or puzzlement; a pickle; a predicament.
- A dilemma, a difficult decision or choice.
- 1995, Douglas N. Walton & Erik C. W. Krabbe, Commitment in Dialogue: Basic Concepts of Interpersonal Reasoning, page 54
- But we may suppose that John has set his priorities in such a way that the quandary is spurious.
- 2000, Carol Ann Strip & Gretchen Hirsch, Helping Gifted Children Soar, page 208
- What a difficult quandary for a bright, talented child!
- 2004, Jennifer Traig, Devil in the Details: Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood, page 181
- Then I would begin contemplating the next quandary: "Does the Torah say it's okay to portray a hooker, and is a heart of gold a mitigating factor?"
- 1995, Douglas N. Walton & Erik C. W. Krabbe, Commitment in Dialogue: Basic Concepts of Interpersonal Reasoning, page 54