dilemma
gb/dɪlˈɛmə/ us/dɪlˈɛmə/
B1
English
~ 5000
dilemma, nehéz helyzet
NOUN
B1
1
dilemma
B2
Usage pattern:
to face a dilemma
She faced a dilemma when offered two jobs in different cities.
Dilemma elé került, amikor két különböző városban is kapott állásajánlatot.
The committee was in a dilemma over how to cut costs without firing staff.
A bizottság dilemmában volt, hogyan csökkenthetné a költségeket elbocsátások nélkül.
It's a moral dilemma: tell the truth and hurt her, or stay silent and let her believe a lie.
We were in a real dilemma about whether to sell the house now or wait.
His sudden resignation created a dilemma for the team.
Learner examples
I am in a dilemma about which dress to buy.
Dilemmában vagyok, melyik ruhát vegyem meg.
He faced a dilemma at work.
Dilemma elé került a munkahelyén.
It is a big dilemma for our family.
She is in a moral dilemma about telling the truth.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'dilemma' with 'problem'. A problem does not always involve choosing between two bad options, but a dilemma usually does.
Meaning
A hard choice between bad options
Collocations
face a dilemma
|in a dilemma
|moral dilemma
|present a dilemma
|resolve a dilemma
Synonyms
predicament (Often refers to any difficult or unpleasant situation, not always involving a choice.)
|
quandary (More formal and often implies confusion or uncertainty about what to do.)
Antonyms
easy choice (A decision that is simple and without significant problems or downsides.)
Themes
emotions
|decision-making
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A problem where you must choose between two or more bad choices.
A situation in which a person must choose between two or more alternatives, all of which are undesirable or problematic.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
to be caught in a dilemma
The delay put us in a dilemma with our travel plans.
A késés miatt nehéz helyzetbe kerültünk az utazási terveinkkel.
Parents often face the dilemma of balancing work and family life.
A szülők gyakran szembesülnek azzal a nehézséggel, hogyan egyeztessék össze a munkát és a családi életet.
The rising costs present a dilemma for local businesses.
Learner examples
We are in a dilemma because the car broke down far from home.
Nehéz helyzetben vagyunk, mert az autó lerobbant távol az otthonunktól.
She has a dilemma with her school project.
Gondja akadt az iskolai projektjével.
They are in a dilemma about money.
Meaning
A hard-to-solve problem
Collocations
caught in a dilemma
|present a dilemma
|find oneself in a dilemma
Synonyms
difficulty (A general term for something hard to do or deal with, not necessarily involving choice.)
Antonyms
solution (Represents the resolution to a problem or difficulty, opposite of being stuck in one.)
Themes
daily life
|problems
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A hard situation that is not easy to fix.
A difficult or awkward situation that is not necessarily about choosing between two bad options, but still requires careful thought.
Grammar
Dictionary form
dilemma
IPA
GB/dɪlˈɛmə/
US/dɪlˈɛmə/
Syllables & stress
di - lemma (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lemma)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: dilemma
- Plural: dilemmas, dilemmata
Word family
Forms
dilemmas
noun
dilemmata
noun
Related words
predicament
noun B2
quandary
noun
Expressions
face a dilemma
1/fˈeɪs ə dɪlˈɛmə/
fixed phrase
Confronting a hard choice situation
To be in a situation where you must choose between two or more bad options.
Examples
- We face a dilemma about whether to cut jobs or reduce salaries.
- She faces a dilemma over moving abroad.
in a dilemma
1/ˈɪn ə dɪlˈɛmə/
fixed phrase
In a hard choice situation
In a situation where it is hard to choose between two or more bad options.
Examples
- I was in a dilemma about whether to accept the promotion.
- They found themselves in a dilemma over the budget cuts.
moral dilemma
1/mˈɔɹəl dɪlˈɛmə/
fixed phrase
Choice between moral principles
A problem where you must choose between two actions that both have good and bad moral reasons.
Examples
- Lying to protect someone can create a moral dilemma.
- Doctors often face moral dilemmas when treating patients.