Predicament

/prɪˈdɪkəˌmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.

She found herself in a predicament when she accidentally bought two tickets for the same concert.

a situation that limits one's options or choices.

The company faced a financial predicament after the market crash.

a problem or decision that is especially tricky or challenging.

His predicament was deciding between a higher salary and a job he loved.

From Latin praedicamentum, meaning 'category' or 'predicable'.

in a predicament

In a difficult or challenging situation.

caught in a predicament

Trapped in a challenging situation with no easy solution.

dilemma

A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.

quandary

A state of perplexity or doubt about what to do.

In hot water

After missing the deadlines, he was really in hot water at work.

In a tight spot

She found herself in a tight spot when both friends needed her help at the same time.