a difficult dilemma.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult dilemma." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where one must make a tough choice between two or more options, each with significant consequences. Example: "She faced a difficult dilemma when deciding whether to accept the job offer in another city or stay close to her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We faced a difficult dilemma.

The New York Times

The Chinese government faces a difficult dilemma.

The New York Times

Then, the NHS will face a difficult dilemma.

Independent

Adriano Favre, director of the Soccorso Alpino rescue service at Valdostano, said his colleagues faced a difficult dilemma.

Independent

Balancing our access to the countryside with the rights of other species and a pristine landscape is a difficult dilemma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Andrews and Thomson see depression as a way of bolstering our feeble analytical skills, making it easier to pay continuous attention to a difficult dilemma.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It's a very difficult dilemma for a developing nation," said Marc Bauman, the director of sales and marketing at Sam's Tours.

BBC

But those campaigning for a referendum may face a more difficult dilemma if they succeed – but do not get quite what they want.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a really difficult dilemma.

Independent

"This is a very difficult dilemma".

The New York Times - Health

"It was a very difficult dilemma".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult dilemma", ensure the context clearly presents the conflicting choices and their potential consequences to emphasize the weight of the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult dilemma" when the situation merely involves a preference or minor inconvenience. Reserve it for scenarios with genuinely significant and conflicting outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a challenging situation that requires a decision between undesirable options, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult dilemma" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a challenging decision between undesirable options. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources indicates its suitability for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. The phrase effectively conveys the complexity and gravity of a decision-making process. According to Ludwig, several alternatives exist, such as "a tough predicament" or "a challenging situation", offering subtle variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation truly involves a significant conflict with weighty consequences to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough predicament

Replaces "dilemma" with "predicament", emphasizing the challenging nature of the situation.

a complex quandary

Substitutes "dilemma" with "quandary", indicating a state of perplexity or uncertainty.

a challenging situation

Uses broader terms to describe the difficult scenario, focusing on the challenge rather than the choice.

a problematic choice

Highlights the difficulty in making a decision due to potential negative consequences.

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the problematic and complex nature of the situation.

a perplexing problem

Highlights the confusing and difficult nature of the issue at hand.

a critical juncture

Focuses on the importance and potential consequences of the decision point.

a trying circumstance

Emphasizes the stressful and burdensome nature of the situation.

a vexing question

Highlights the irritating and troublesome aspect of the problem.

a no-win scenario

Indicates that all possible outcomes are undesirable.

FAQs

How to use "a difficult dilemma" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult dilemma" to describe a situation where someone faces a choice between two or more undesirable options. For example, "The company faced "a difficult dilemma" when deciding whether to cut jobs or reduce salaries".

What can I say instead of "a difficult dilemma"?

You can use alternatives like "a tough predicament", "a challenging situation", or "a complex quandary" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a difficult dilemma" or "a hard dilemma"?

"A difficult dilemma" is more common and stylistically preferred in formal writing. While "a hard dilemma" is understandable, it's less frequently used and may sound less sophisticated.

What's the difference between "a difficult dilemma" and "a simple choice"?

"A difficult dilemma" implies a challenging decision between equally undesirable options, whereas "a simple choice" suggests an easy decision with clear advantages.