Found 3 items, similar to dilemma.
English → Indonesian (quick)
Definition: dilemma
dilema, pilihan
English → English (WordNet)
Definition: dilemma
dilemma
n : state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a
choice between equally unfavorable options [syn:
quandary]
English → English (gcide)
Definition: Dilemma
Dilemma
\Di*lem"ma\, n. [L. dilemma, Gr. ?; di- = di`s- twice +
? to take. See
Lemma.]
1. (Logic) An argument which presents an antagonist with two
or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against
him, whichever alternative he chooses.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The following are instances of the dilemma. A young
rhetorician applied to an old sophist to be taught the
art of pleading, and bargained for a certain reward to
be paid when he should gain a cause. The master sued
for his reward, and the scholar endeavored to elude his
claim by a dilemma.
“If I gain my cause, I shall
withhold your pay, because the judge's award will be
against you; if I lose it, I may withhold it, because I
shall not yet have gained a cause.” “On the
contrary,” says the master,
“if you gain your cause,
you must pay me, because you are to pay me when you
gain a cause; if you lose it, you must pay me, because
the judge will award it.” --Johnson.
[1913 Webster]
2. A state of things in which evils or obstacles present
themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine
what course to pursue; a vexatious alternative or
predicament; a difficult choice or position.
[1913 Webster]
A strong dilemma in a desperate case!
To act with infamy, or quit the place. --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
Horns of a dilemma, alternatives, each of which is equally
difficult of encountering.
[1913 Webster]