Lexic.us

Definition of Quandary

1. Noun. A situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one. "The woeful plight of homeless people"

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

Definition of Quandary

1. n. A state of difficulty or perplexity; doubt; uncertainty.

2. v. t. To bring into a state of uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty.

Definition of Quandary

1. Noun. A state of not knowing what to decide; a state of difficulty or perplexity; a state of uncertainty, hesitation or puzzlement; a pickle; a predicament. ¹

2. Noun. A dilemma, a difficult decision or choice. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Quandary

1. a dilemma [n -RIES] - See also: dilemma

Lexicographical Neighbors of Quandary

qualmishness qualmishnesses qualmless qualmlessly qualms qualmy qualophile qualophiles qualtagh quamash

quamashes quamoclit quandang quandangs quandaries quandary (current term) quandies quandong quandong nut quandong tree

quandongs quandry quandy quango quangocracies quangocracy quangocrat quangocrats quangos quannet

Literary usage of Quandary

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Sunshine and shadow in New York by Matthew Hale Smith (1869)
"But New York women and men believe as firmly in ghosts as they did in Massachusetts in the time of the Salem witchcraft. A BAPTIST MINISTER IN A quandary. ..."

2. A Masque of Poets: Including Guy Vernon, a Novelette in Verse by George Parsons Lathrop, Emily Dickinson, Henry David Thoreau, Sarah C. Catch, Louisa May Alcott, Sidney Lanier (1878)
"A quandary. 'T'ELL my lady she is fair ? That no news is, truly. Tell her she is sweet and rare, Pure and lovely past compare ? Will it strike her newly ? ..."

3. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777-1795, 1801 by George Clinton, New York (State). Governor, 1801-1804 (George Clinton), Hugh Hastings, James Austin Holden, New York (State). State Historian (1900)
"William Duer in a quandary. Dear sir, I have had for some Time past a Considerable Sum of the Public money in my Hands, which the Delegates of the State of ..."

4. Ten Years in Washington: Life and Scenes in the National Capital, as a Woman by Mary Clemmer (1874)
"... Book Shelves—Silent Study— "Abstracting " Books—Amusing Adventure—A Senator in a quandary— Making Love under Difficulties—Library Regulations—Privileged ..."

Other Resources: