conundrum

USAGE SUMMARY

'conundrum' is a word used in written English and can be used to describe a difficult problem or puzzle.
For example: "The conundrum of how to reduce global warming is one of the most urgent challenges of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a partial but positive and practical answer to the conundrum of English devolution".

The Guardian

So the pitch conundrum remains one of many at the end of an Ashes tour, although the more difficult choices over bowling options would seem to still reside with England.

The Guardian - Sport

This comment, made to David Markson, indicates the conundrum Maupassant presents to readers.

The Guardian - Books

"While we are seeing a strong domestic picture, cracking the productivity conundrum would really help cement the recovery.

The Guardian - Business

eb5c3e8d-9fc6-46cd-b6f4-530619e68b91 Not buying clothes would seem to break the fundamental law of fashion, but happily there is a stylish way around the conundrum.

The Guardian

It has always tried different ways of doing business, centred around the principles of shared wellbeing, and recognised the conundrum of entering the coffee pods market.

The Guardian

The company, established by SETE last year, is the private sector's answer to what is increasingly seen as the country's marketing conundrum and marks the first time entrepreneurs have actively sought to promote Greece abroad.

The Guardian

Anything that leads to reduction of growth and the ability of corals to bounce back from disturbances – and that includes dredging and port development – presents a real conundrum on the issue of keeping the reef healthy while at the same time as trying to export these commodities which themselves have an impact on climate.

The Guardian

But there are a lot of Chris Kyles in the world, and the chasm between Eastwood's intent and his audience's reception touches on the old Chappelle's Show conundrum: a lot of white people laughed at Dave Chappelle's rapier racial satire for the wrong reasons, in ways that may have actually exacerbated stereotypes about black people in the minds of intellectual underachievers.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it may also have resolved another political conundrum: who is the best Democratic operative in the US?

The Guardian

In Finch's brutality, in Bairstow and Root's uncertainty, in Australia's bare cupboard and England's wavering second string (what awaits Buttler and Hales and Ballance and Morgan and the rest?) lays the conundrum facing the modern batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance clarity by providing context when introducing a "conundrum". Clearly define the specific problem or question to avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the challenge at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "conundrum" for straightforward problems or decisions. This term is best reserved for genuinely complex and perplexing issues, not everyday challenges.

Linguistic Context

The noun "conundrum" functions as a descriptor for problems or questions that are difficult to solve or understand. It is often used when the issue at hand involves multiple complexities or seems paradoxical. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "conundrum" is a versatile noun used to describe a baffling or complex problem, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans across various contexts, most frequently in news, business, and scientific domains. The term carries a formal tone, best suited for analytical discussions of serious issues. Related phrases include "difficult problem", "complex issue", and "enigma", offering writers alternative ways to express similar meanings. To use it effectively, reserve "conundrum" for situations that are genuinely perplexing, and provide sufficient context to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult problem

Focuses on the challenging aspect without necessarily implying a puzzle.

complex issue

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the problem.

challenging question

Emphasizes the interrogative aspect and the difficulty in finding an answer.

intricate puzzle

Stresses the complicated and interwoven elements of the problem.

thorny problem

Implies a problem that is unpleasant and difficult to deal with.

vexing question

Highlights the frustrating and irritating nature of the question.

knotty issue

Focuses on the complexity and entanglement of the issue.

impenetrable problem

Suggests the problem is impossible to understand or solve.

enigma

Refers to something mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

riddle

Implies a puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed.

FAQs

How can I use "conundrum" in a sentence?

You can use "conundrum" to describe a difficult question or problem. For example: "The economic crisis presents a significant conundrum for policymakers."

What are some alternatives to the word "conundrum"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult problem", "complex issue", or "enigma" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "conundrum" in formal writing?

Yes, "conundrum" is suitable for formal writing when referring to a genuinely perplexing or intricate issue. However, ensure the tone of your writing aligns with the seriousness of the subject.

What's the difference between a "conundrum" and a dilemma?

While both terms refer to difficult situations, a "conundrum" is a puzzling problem or question, whereas a dilemma involves a choice between two or more undesirable options.