Quagmire

/ˈkwæɡ.maɪər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot.

The hikers found themselves stuck in a quagmire after heavy rains had flooded the trail.

A complex or hazardous situation.

The negotiations had turned into a quagmire, with both sides unwilling to compromise.

A predicament from which extrication is difficult.

The company found itself in a legal quagmire due to unresolved contracts.

Originated from the early 17th century, from 'quag' + 'mire'.

in a quagmire

In a difficult or complicated situation.

quagmire of bureaucracy

A situation where official rules and procedures become overwhelmingly complex.

mire

An area of swampy or boggy ground.

morass

A complicated or confused situation.

Stuck in a problem.

I'm in a total quagmire with this project, and I can't find a way out.

Overwhelmed by conflict.

The team is in a quagmire over the budget cuts.