predicaments

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'predicaments' is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a difficult, tricky, or unpleasant situation or problem. Example: As soon as she heard the news, Jane realized that she was in a predicament. She had promised to attend her sister's wedding on the same day as her best friend's bachelorette party. Deciding between the two events was proving to be a major predicament for Jane.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And how do you feel about the constant metaphors Frank Underwood and the other characters use to describe their predicaments (both political and personal)?

The Guardian

So while reading a good novel about an asylum seeker might not convert us into an advocate of a more humanitarian approach to refugee protection – assuming that this is something to be desired – it will surely give us a greater insight into the human predicaments at the heart of the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking about Ed Miliband's political predicaments, Mandelson said the right wing had been good at handling rhetoric of austerity and deficit reduction but warned the centre-left against reverting to old arguments and "business and bank bashing".

The Guardian

That such folk use immigration to explain their predicaments is perhaps for lack of other subjects.

The Economist

Most constituents' predicaments arise from excessive or incomprehensible paperwork, shoddy consumer protections and impassive bureaucracies.

The Economist

Those in such predicaments are drawn to clinics which offer counselling to gay people and services including what is often touted as a "cure".

The Economist

In fact, one of the subjects laid the blame for her predicaments squarely on the shoulders of the people around her.Neurobiologists have long known that the brain can compensate for some sorts of injury that are sustained during the course of its development.

The Economist

If growth evaporates, a downgrade would be a certainty, raising debt costs even more.Such predicaments are not uncommon, but Brazil's monetary problems are.

The Economist

At the core of the novel are questions about travel, exile, loss, happiness, love and poetry that relate Ursula and her companions to 20th-century predicaments.

The Economist

Savas Robolis, head of research at INE-GSEE, a union-backed think-tank, says that over two-thirds of Greek employees are 43 or older.In this section Left behind It's grim down south ReprintsYet despite their similar predicaments, the youth of southern Europe has responded to the crisis in very different ways.

The Economist

The Chinese government meanwhile has yet to name the chief of its own, outsized investment fund, which will be split off from its $1 trillion-worth of foreign-exchange reserves.The predicaments facing Mr Buffett, the consummate capitalist, and the Chinese government, still avowedly communist, meet on many levels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predicaments", consider the level of formality required in your writing. While generally acceptable in most contexts, more formal writing might benefit from using synonyms like "dilemmas" or "quandaries" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "predicaments" to describe simple inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve significant difficulty, uncertainty, or potential negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The word "predicaments" functions as a plural noun, typically referring to multiple difficult, tricky, or unpleasant situations. As Ludwig AI suggests, the word is grammatically correct and used in written English to describe challenging circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predicaments" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed plural noun used to denote challenging, complex, and often uncertain situations. As Ludwig AI points out, the word is correct and usable in written English, functioning primarily to describe difficult circumstances. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it finds common application in news, encyclopedic, and scientific sources. Related terms include "dilemmas" and "quandaries", which can sometimes serve as more precise synonyms depending on the desired nuance. When using "predicaments", ensure the situation warrants its use, avoiding it for simple inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plights

Focuses on unfortunate or pitiable conditions, often implying helplessness.

dilemmas

Indicates a choice between undesirable options, emphasizing the problematic nature of any decision.

quandaries

Highlights the state of uncertainty and indecision; focusing on a situation without an easy resolution.

vexing problems

Highlights the troubling and irritating nature of the difficulties, focusing on mental or emotional discomfort.

difficult situations

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the circumstances, lacking the sense of being trapped or uncertain.

challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the difficulty presented by the situation, slightly more formal.

tough spots

Informal and highlights immediate difficulty, without necessarily implying long-term implications.

troubles

General term that describes situations and problems

tight corners

Figurative language that describes situations that are difficult to escape from.

awkward situations

Implies social discomfort and unease, differing from general hardship.

FAQs

How do I use "predicaments" in a sentence?

The word "predicaments" refers to difficult, tricky, or unpleasant situations. For example: "The global economic, food, and energy "predicaments" continued to have a heavy impact on most countries."

What are some alternatives to "predicaments"?

You can use alternatives like "dilemmas", "quandaries", or "plights" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "predicaments" in formal writing?

Yes, "predicaments" is generally suitable for formal writing, although you might consider using more precise synonyms like "dilemmas" or "quandaries" in specific cases for increased clarity.

What's the difference between "predicaments" and "problems"?

"Predicaments" usually imply a more complex and difficult situation than general "problems". A "predicament" suggests a situation where one is trapped or uncertain of the best course of action.