quandary

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
  2. noun state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options

Etymology

16th century. Origin unknown; perhaps a dialectal corruption (simulating a word of Latin origin with suffix -ary) of wandreth (“evil, plight, peril, adversity, difficulty”), from Middle English wandreth, from Old Norse vandræði (“difficulty, trouble”), from vándr (“difficult, requiring pains and care”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

predicament, plight

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