quandary

/ˈkwɑndəri/

/ˈkwɒndri/

Other forms: quandaries

How to define the word quandary? Wow, this is quite a dilemma. What to do, what to do? Hmmm. Looks like this moment itself is a quandary: a tough situation that will be really hard to resolve.

If you’re uncertain what to do because all of your options seem unpleasant, you’re probably in a quandary. Some voters find themselves in a quandary when they dislike all of the candidates. A more common quandary is when you plan two events at the same time and can’t decide which one to attend. Some synonyms are predicament, dilemma, plight, and pickle — and choosing which word to use is a quandary in itself.

Definitions of quandary

1. noun

   state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
   synonyms: dilemma

   types:

   double bind

   (psychology) an unresolvable dilemma; situation in which a person receives contradictory messages from a person who is very powerful

   type of:

   perplexity

   trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
2. noun

   a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
   synonyms: morass, plight, predicament, quagmire

   types:

   care

   a cause for feeling concern

   box, corner

   a predicament from which a skillful or graceful escape is impossible

   hot water

   a dangerous or distressing predicament

   type of:

   difficulty

   a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome