quandary
noun
A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation; a dilemma.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly from Latin quando "when" or a blend of Latin quam "how" + Anglo-French daer "to dare."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The unexpected job offer left her in a quandary."
- 2.
"He faced the ethical quandary of reporting a friend."
- 3.
"The committee was in a quandary about how to proceed."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Unlike a simple problem, a quandary implies genuine uncertainty about the right choice—often between two undesirable options. It's similar to "being caught between a rock and a hard place."
Word Game Tips
Letters: 8 letters (Q, U, A, N, D, A, R, Y)
Scrabble Value: 21 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "QU" at the start of words.
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