Definition
Predicament refers to a difficult or challenging situation where one finds themselves trapped or constrained, often requiring careful consideration and decision-making to navigate through.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
noun
Synonyms
dilemma, quandary, crisis, bind, problem, difficulty, hardship, trouble
Antonyms
solution, resolution, ease, advantage, opportunity
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | predicament, predicaments |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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After missing the last train home, she found herself in a predicament, unsure of how to get back without any transportation.
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The company’s financial predicament worsened when they lost a major client and faced mounting debts.
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She was caught in a predicament, torn between pursuing her dream job in a different city or staying close to her family.
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The politician found himself in a predicament when evidence of his unethical behavior was exposed, threatening to ruin his career.
Usage
The word “predicament” originated from the Latin term “praedicamentum,” which was used in Medieval Latin to refer to a category or class of things. The word eventually evolved to encompass its current meaning in the English language. “Predicament” is a noun and does not have any inherent prefixes or suffixes attached to it.
The term “predicament” is commonly used to describe difficult or challenging situations that individuals find themselves in. It implies a sense of being trapped or constrained, where a decision or action is required to resolve the situation. This word is often used to convey a sense of complexity, uncertainty, and emotional distress.
Due to its specific connotations, “predicament” is frequently used in describing moral or ethical dilemmas, as well as challenging circumstances in personal or professional life. For example, one might say, “She faced a predicament when she discovered her co-worker stealing from the company’s funds, unsure of whether to report the misconduct or confront the colleague directly.”
The word “predicament” is versatile and applicable in various contexts. It adds depth and nuance when discussing complex situations that require careful evaluation and decision-making. Whether in literature, academic writing, or everyday conversations, it lends itself well to describing and analyzing challenging scenarios, thereby enriching our understanding of human experiences.