quandary

Quandary is a noun that denotes a state of perplexity or doubt about what to do next. It refers to a difficult situation in which the best course of action is not obvious, rather than simply a scenario with two clearly bad options.

The term dates to the English language in the 16th century, and its exact origin is uncertain. It likely derives from a French or Italian root related to questions of what to do, but there is no definitive etymology.

In usage, a quandary describes situations of uncertainty, ambiguity, or moral tension. It is often used when choices exist but none offer a clear or satisfactory solution. It differs from a dilemma in that a dilemma typically involves a choice between two or more options, usually with unfavorable outcomes, whereas a quandary emphasizes confusion or indecision more than the number of options.

Common contexts for the word include personal decision-making, professional or organizational challenges, and literary or narrative devices that place a character at a crossroads. Examples include grappling with whether to reveal a truth, how to allocate limited resources, or deciding between competing values.

Related terms include predicament, dilemma, bind, and impasse. While related, each carries a slightly different nuance: a predicament highlights a troubling situation; a dilemma stresses choice between alternatives; an impasse implies a halt in progress.