quandary

USAGE SUMMARY

"quandary" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult or perplexing situation or dilemma. Example sentence: I was in a quandary, unsure of which path to take.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As that "someone" is generally governments and authorities introducing rules and regulations, this seems to put some "free market" advocates in a quandary.

The Guardian

Better than its Britcommy veneer suggests is Love, Rosie (Lionsgate, 15); another reworking of When Harry Met Sally's "just friends" quandary, it surprises not with its cutesy story, but with punchy visual stylings and the bittersweet connection forged by lovely leads Lily Collins and Sam Claflin.

The Guardian - Film

It will be a nice quandary for Hodgson to have, though.

The Guardian - Sport

With Netflix recently revealing a price hike for new subscribers, streamers may find themselves in a quandary over which service to sign up for.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But as Alex Drake, a cop caught in a similar time-shifted quandary, she made the show the equal of its predecessor, repurposing the format from butch Sweeney homage to a deranged riff on Moonlighting with extra shoulderpads and speedboats.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Our community is still in a quandary about how to raise its boys to men.

The Guardian

A 29-year-old Minnesota man named Serge Vorobyov faced this very quandary last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's quite a quandary".

The Guardian

The government of Sheikh Hasina, which set up the court, now looks to be in a political quandary.

The Economist

Not revolting enough Teething troubles The oldest quandary ReprintsArdoyne is one of Northern Ireland's problem districts, set in north Belfast where one-fifth of all victims died during the "Troubles".

The Economist

If one did somehow make it to the White House as part of an omnibus energy bill, it would pose a quandary for Mr Bush.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quandary" when you want to convey a sense of being stuck between difficult choices. It's stronger than a simple "problem" and suggests a genuine dilemma.

Common error

Avoid using "quandary" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving genuine dilemmas or difficult decisions. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The word "quandary" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing political, ethical, and personal dilemmas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quandary" is a noun that describes a state of uncertainty or indecision, typically in a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While "quandary" is a strong and precise word, avoid overusing it in casual contexts. Alternatives like "dilemma" or "predicament" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding the word's function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "quandary" to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult predicament

Focuses on the unfavorable circumstances and potential negative outcomes.

challenging dilemma

Emphasizes the difficulty and the need to choose between options.

tough decision

Pinpoints the need to make a hard choice.

uncertain position

Highlights the ambiguity and lack of certainty in the situation.

difficult situation

Replaces the abstract term with a more straightforward description of the scenario.

problematic circumstance

Draws attention to the troublesome nature of the situation.

state of perplexity

Highlights the confusion and lack of clarity involved.

vexing issue

Stresses the annoying and frustrating aspect of the problem.

tricky situation

Offers a less formal way to describe a complex problem.

knotty problem

Uses a metaphor to describe the complexity and difficulty in resolving the situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "quandary" in a sentence?

Use "quandary" to describe a situation where someone is facing a difficult dilemma or is uncertain about what to do. For example, "Faced with two equally unpleasant options, he found himself in a "difficult predicament"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "quandary"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "dilemma", "predicament", "problem", "difficulty", or "uncertainty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also "challenging dilemma" or "difficult situation".

Is it ever incorrect to use the word "quandary"?

While grammatically correct, using "quandary" might be inappropriate in very informal contexts or when describing a trivial issue. It's best suited for situations involving significant difficulty or uncertainty.

What's the difference between a "quandary" and a "problem"?

A "problem" is a general term for any difficulty. A "quandary" specifically implies a state of uncertainty or indecision, often involving a choice between equally undesirable options. So, all quandaries are problems, but not all problems are "challenging dilemmas".