I. də̇ˈlemə sometimes dīˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin, from Late Greek dilēmmat-, dilēmma, probably back-formation from Greek dilēmmatos involving two assumptions, from di- + -lēmmatos (from lēmmat-, lēmma assumption) — more at lemma
1. : an argument that offers an opponent a choice between two or more alternatives but that is equally conclusive against him no matter which alternative he chooses
2.
a. : a choice or a situation involving choice between equally unsatisfactory alternatives
the dilemma was whether to lower prices or to accept fewer sales
b. : a difficult problem : a problem seemingly incapable of a satisfactory solution
the modern dilemma ; what to do to spend all this time — Peggy Bennett
3. : an argument that contains a premise consisting of the conjunctive affirmation of two hypothetical propositions and a disjunctive premise
Synonyms: see predicament
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
archaic : to place in a dilemma