quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē 

plural quandaries

: a state of perplexity or doubt

Synonyms

• catch-22
• dilemma
• double bind

Examples of quandary in a Sentence

Williams's quandary is not unlike that faced by other urban executives who have had to wrestle with a deeply rooted power structure. The problem is especially acute for African American mayors. They are expected to serve as sentries, protecting their cities' black communities and staving off so-called white encroachment. —Jonetta Rose Barras, Washington Post, 15 June 2003

For a sticky philosophical quandary, the questions are pretty simple: am I a clerk charged with selling college degrees or am I involved in a more meaningful experience? Part of me says that no argument is more worthy of my attention. —Lynne Drury Lerych, Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2001

… the inevitable economic quandary that faces a people in the transition from slavery to freedom, and especially those who make that change amid hate and prejudice, lawlessness and ruthless competition. —W. E. B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk, 1903

The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers.

I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either.

Recent Examples on the Web

My biggest quandary is whether to order it as a plate, which comes with small flour tortillas, a plate of creamy refried beans and an all-access pass to the salsa bar, or swaddled in a giant, chewy flour tortilla as a burrito. —Felicia Campbell, The Arizona Republic, 24 Dec. 2024

After 50+ years exploring the far corners of the world, the director focuses inward — on the human brain, via the cutting-edge field of neuroscience, with its attendant ethical quandaries. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024

Instead, unfortunately, these are the types of quandaries desperate owners sometimes back themselves into, and only then go looking for the reasons why. —Jim Ingraham, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Collision, as used by PST ART, is tech-bro speak, a euphemism, like the buzzword disruption, that promises the creation of new, exciting opportunities while minimizing the severity of moral quandaries and social ills. —Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing quandary

• in a quandary

Kids Definition

quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē 

plural quandaries

: a state of confusion or doubt : dilemma

in a quandary about which to choose