Dilemma

Dilemma

Definition

A dilemma is a situation where a person has to choose between two equally undesirable options. It’s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, where both choices seem problematic or challenging.  Dilemmas often involve difficult decisions where there are no clear or easy solutions. For example, imagine having to choose between honesty and loyalty when a friend asks you to keep a secret that could harm someone else. This kind of situation presents a moral dilemma because either choice could have negative consequences.

Dilemmas can also arise in professional settings, like deciding between two job offers that have different benefits and drawbacks. This can create a career dilemma where you have to weigh the pros and cons of each option to make the best decision for your future. In literature and storytelling, dilemmas are commonly used to create tension and conflict for the characters. Writers often put their protagonists in tough dilemmas to test their values, morals, and decision-making skills.

Example sentences
The company found itself in a dilemma when they had to decide whether to downsize the workforce or cut employee benefits to stay afloat.
The team encountered a dilemma during the project when they had to choose between meeting the deadline with lower quality work or requesting an extension.
The mayor faced a dilemma when he had to balance the city’s budget without cutting essential services or raising taxes significantly.
The protagonist in the novel was caught in a dilemma where he had to decide between saving his own life or sacrificing himself to protect his loved ones.
The parents were in a dilemma about whether to let their teenage daughter go on a trip with her friends or insist on her staying home due to safety concerns.