quandary meaning

quandary as a noun

1. a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
   • finds himself in a most awkward predicament
   • the woeful plight of homeless people

   Synonyms: predicament, plight

   Type of: difficulty

   Kinds: care, corner, hot water

2. state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options

   Synonyms: dilemma

   Type of: perplexity

   Kinds: double bind

quandary in a sentence

• We're in a quandary because we have two excellent candidates.
• The nationwide lockdown has left thousands of foreign tourists and visitors in Italy in a quandary.
• Tom was in a quandary about who to vote for in the election.
• Mary is in a bit of a quandary over whether to tell Tom or not.

How to pronounce quandary

quandary is pronounced /ˈkwɑndəri/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.