quandary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
    predicament; plight.
    • finds himself in a most awkward predicament
    • the woeful plight of homeless people
  2. noun state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
    dilemma.

WordNet

Quan"da*ry noun
Etymology
Prob. fr. OE. wandreth adversity, perplexity, Icel. wandræ&edh;i difficulty, trouble, fr. vandr difficult.
Wordforms
plural Quandaries
Definitions
  1. A state of difficulty or perplexity; doubt; uncertainty.
Quan"da*ry transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To bring into a state of uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty. Obs. Otway.

Webster 1913