Word
conundrum
Meanings
a confusing and difficult problem or situation that is hard to solve
a tricky question or puzzle that is difficult to answer
Definition
A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
A conundrum is a problem or situation that is hard to understand or deal with. It often involves choices where every option has disadvantages, or where the solution is not clear. People use this word when they feel stuck and need careful thinking to decide what to do.
Examples
- Choosing between the two job offers became a real conundrum.
- It’s a conundrum: we need to save money, but prices keep rising.
- Her conundrum was whether to tell the truth or protect her friend.
- The detective faced a conundrum with no clear suspect.
- Time management is my biggest conundrum this semester.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use conundrum for any small confusion, but it usually means a genuinely difficult problem or dilemma.
More at C1 level
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