Quandary

usgb/ˈkwɑːndəri/
noun

A situation where it's hard to decide what to do.

She was in a quandary about whether to go to college or to start working right away.
Visual representation of "quandary" - A situation where it's hard to decide what to do.

Often appears as...

  • in a quandary
  • deep quandary
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "quandary"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Decision Difficulty

Quandary means being unable to choose because all options have downsides.

Illustration for Decision Difficulty
Faced with a choice between two bad offers, she found herself in a quandary.
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Emotional Stress

Using 'quandary' often indicates stress or worry about making the wrong choice.

Illustration for Emotional Stress
The unexpected job offer left him in a quandary, feeling both excited and anxious.
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Not Trivial

A quandary refers to tough situations, not simple or everyday decisions.

Illustration for Not Trivial
Choosing between saving the environment or the economy put the committee in a real quandary.
Visual representation of the word "Quandary"

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