dilemma

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈlɛmə, dʌɪ-/

noun

  • a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable: he wants to make money, but he also disapproves of it: Den’s dilemma in a nutshell
  • a difficult situation or problem: the insoluble dilemma of adolescence
  • Logic an argument forcing an opponent to choose either of two unfavourable alternatives.

Origin:

early 16th century (denoting a form of argument involving a choice between equally unfavourable alternatives): via Latin from Greek dilēmma, from di- 'twice' + lēmma 'premise'

At its core, a dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives. More informally, it can mean ‘a difficult situation or problem’ (as in the insoluble dilemma of adolescence). Some traditionalists object to this weakened use, but it is recorded as early as the first part of the 17th century, and is now widespread and generally acceptable.