- Today's Word
Quandary
KWON-duh-ree
Definition
(noun) A state of perplexity or uncertainty, especially regarding what action to take; a difficult situation presenting a dilemma.
Example
She found herself in a quandary when both job offers presented equally attractive opportunities.
Word Origin
Late 16th century: perhaps partly from Latin “quando” meaning “when,” though the exact origin remains uncertain.
Fun Fact
Quandary’s uncertain etymology mirrors the uncertainty it describes—even linguists can’t definitively trace its origin, creating a meta-quandary about the word itself. Unlike “dilemma,” which technically involves exactly two choices, quandary can describe any perplexing situation regardless of option count. The phrase “in a quandary” became popular in 16th-century England, though earlier forms may have existed. Philosophers distinguish between quandaries (practical dilemmas) and aporias (theoretical paradoxes), though both involve intellectual impasses. Quandary suggests genuine difficulty rather than simple indecision—you’re in a quandary when good reasons support multiple incompatible courses. Modern decision theory studies quandaries systematically, but sometimes analysis only deepens the perplexity. The word captures that specific discomfort of facing equally viable options without clear guidance about which to choose.