quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of perplexity or doubt

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the two decades since, papers have faced brutal newsroom reductions (in 2020, 33% of large newspapers cut staff) and ownership quandaries (many have been sold off, some to venture capitalists more interested in the papers’ real estate than their journalistic value). Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 The show also tackles various themes, including brotherhood and the existential quandary some experience towards the end of an illustrious career. Jp Mangalindan, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 Inside the will-they-won’t-they romantic storyline between 21-year-old student Frances and 32-year-old married actor Nick were also moral quandaries. Kate Dwyer, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 The collapse of the domestic syndication marketplace raises a chicken-and-egg quandary. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quandary 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quandary was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near quandary

Cite this Entry

“Quandary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quandary. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

quandary

noun
quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of confusion or doubt : dilemma
in a quandary about which to choose

More from Merriam-Webster on quandary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!