Dilemna vs. Dilemma — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
"dilemna" is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "dilemma," denoting a situation with a difficult choice.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Dilemna or Dilemma
How to spell Dilemma?
Dilemna
Incorrect Spelling
Dilemma
Correct Spelling
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Associate the word with "lemon" (di-LEMM-a) to recall the "lemm" sound.
Visualize the two "m"s in the middle as two choices you're stuck between.
Sound it out: "di-LEM-ma."
Remember, there's no "n" before the "m" in "dilemma."
Recall the phrase "double trouble" to remember the two "m"s.
ADVERTISEMENT
How Do You Spell Dilemma Correctly?
Incorrect: Choosing between the two options was a real dilemna.
Correct: Choosing between the two options was a real dilemma.
Incorrect: He was in a dilemna over which college to choose.
Correct: He was in a dilemma over which college to choose.
Incorrect: She faced a serious dilemna with her job offer.
Correct: She faced a serious dilemma with her job offer.
Incorrect: It was a moral dilemna that required careful thought.
Correct: It was a moral dilemma that required careful thought.
Incorrect: The team encountered a dilemna in their project.
Correct: The team encountered a dilemma in their project.
Dilemma Definitions
A dilemma is a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
He faced the dilemma of telling the truth or keeping silent.
Dilemma refers to any difficult or perplexing situation or problem.
The mayor is in a dilemma about where to allocate funds.
A dilemma can be a choice between two undesirable outcomes.
It's a dilemma whether to go for a high-paying job or a fulfilling one.
Dilemma is a situation demanding a choice, often between two conflicting options.
She's in a dilemma about choosing the right college.
It's an argument necessitating a choice between equally unfavorable or disagreeable alternatives.
The ethical dilemma requires deep introspection.
A dilemma (Greek: δίλημμα "double proposition") is a problem offering two possibilities, neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable. The possibilities are termed the horns of the dilemma, a clichéd usage, but distinguishing the dilemma from other kinds of predicament as a matter of usage.
A situation that requires a choice between options that are or seem equally unfavorable or unsatisfactory.
Usage Problem A problem that seems to defy a satisfactory solution.
(Logic) An argument that presents two alternatives, each of which has the same consequence.
A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
A difficult circumstance or problem.
(logic) A type of syllogism of the form "if A is true then B is true; if C is true then D is true; either A or C is true; therefore either B or D is true".
(rhetoric) Offering to an opponent a choice between two (equally unfavorable) alternatives.
An argument which presents an antagonist with two or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whichever alternative he chooses.
A state of things in which evils or obstacles present themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine what course to pursue; a vexatious alternative or predicament; a difficult choice or position.
A strong dilemma in a desperate case!To act with infamy, or quit the place.
State of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
Dilemma Meaning in a Sentence
The moral dilemma presented in the movie sparked a lot of discussions.
Every character in the novel faces their own personal dilemma.
The environmental dilemma is how to balance growth with conservation.
Deciding whether to spend or save the money was a real dilemma for him.
Faced with the dilemma of lying or telling the truth, she chose honesty.
She found herself in a dilemma when both friends invited her to their parties on the same night.
Choosing between two equally good colleges was a pleasant dilemma.
The government's dilemma was whether to increase taxes or cut services.
The dilemma of career versus family is a common theme in many people's lives.
The classic dilemma of "fight or flight" was presented to him.
Her dilemma was choosing between a job with high pay and one with satisfying work.
The dilemma of digital privacy versus national security is highly debated.
Choosing the right path was a dilemma because each option had its pros and cons.
The ethical dilemma was whether to respect the patient's privacy or to inform the family.
The philosophical dilemma of free will versus determinism is complex and intriguing.
Facing a financial dilemma, the company had to rethink its strategy.
Every episode of the series introduces a new dilemma for the protagonist to solve.
The dilemma between practicality and passion often influences career choices.
She faced a diet dilemma: indulge in dessert or stick to her health goals.
In the game, players often face dilemmas that test their values.
He was caught in a dilemma between telling the truth and protecting his brother.
When faced with the dilemma of two good job offers, she consulted her mentor for advice.
Their dilemma was whether to stay in their comfort zone or to venture out.
The historical dilemma of preserving tradition versus embracing change is ever-present.
The political dilemma of governance: how to please the majority without neglecting the minority.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called dilemma?
The term originates from Greek, denoting a situation involving a difficult choice.
What is the verb form of dilemma?
Dilemma is a noun and does not have a verb form.
Which vowel is used before dilemma?
The letter "a" can precede "dilemma" as in "a dilemma."
What is the root word of dilemma?
It comes from the Greek "dilemma," meaning "double proposition."
What is the pronunciation of dilemma?
It's pronounced as /dɪˈlɛm.ə/.
Is dilemma a negative or positive word?
Neutral but often connotes a challenging situation.
What is the plural form of dilemma?
"Dilemmas."
Is the word dilemma imperative?
No, it's a noun.
What is the singular form of dilemma?
"Dilemma" itself is singular.
Which preposition is used with dilemma?
"In" or "about" can be used, as in "in a dilemma" or "dilemma about."
Is dilemma a noun or adjective?
It's a noun.
Is dilemma an adverb?
No.
How many syllables are in dilemma?
Three.
What is another term for dilemma?
"Quandary."
Which conjunction is used with dilemma?
Any conjunction can be used based on the sentence structure.
Is dilemma an abstract noun?
Yes.
Is dilemma a countable noun?
Yes.
Is the dilemma term a metaphor?
No, though it can be used metaphorically in various contexts.
What is a stressed syllable in dilemma?
The second syllable "lem" is stressed.
What is the opposite of dilemma?
"Certainty" or "clear choice."
Is dilemma a vowel or consonant?
"Dilemma" is a word that contains both vowels and consonants.
Is dilemma a collective noun?
No.
Which determiner is used with dilemma?
Determiners like "this," "that," "my," etc., can be used based on the context.
What is the first form of dilemma?
Not applicable, as "dilemma" is a noun.
Which article is used with dilemma?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, e.g., "a dilemma" or "the dilemma."
What is the second form of dilemma?
Not applicable.
How is dilemma used in a sentence?
"Facing the dilemma of choosing between his career and family, John sought advice from his mentor."
How do we divide dilemma into syllables?
di-lem-ma.
What part of speech is dilemma?
Noun.
What is the third form of dilemma?
Not applicable.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Disscovery vs. Discovery
Next Comparison
Convertion vs. ConversionAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
