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conundrum

noun

/kəˈnʌndrəm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of conundrum

A situation that is confusing or perplexing because it has no clear solution or answer.
"The politician was in a conundrum, not knowing how to respond to the crisis."

Detailed meaning of conundrum

For example, a moral conundrum is a problem or dilemma that involves conflicting moral principles or values. A philosophical conundrum is a problem or puzzle that involves conflicting or paradoxical ideas or concepts. The term is often used to describe a situation that is difficult to understand or resolve, and that requires careful thought or analysis in order to be solved. It can also be used more generally to describe any problem or puzzle that is difficult to solve or understand.

Example sentences containing conundrum

1. The scientist faced a conundrum when the experiment produced unexpected results.
2. The mathematician struggled to solve the conundrum presented by the complex equation.
3. The detective was faced with a conundrum when all the evidence seemed to point in different directions.
4. The engineer was confronted with a conundrum when trying to design a bridge that would span the wide river.
5. The teacher was puzzled by the conundrum of how to engage students who were not motivated to learn.
6. The ecologist was presented with a conundrum when trying to balance the needs of the environment with those of the growing population.

History and etymology of conundrum

The noun 'conundrum' has a somewhat mysterious etymology, and its precise origin remains unclear. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. Some etymologists suggest that it might be related to the word 'quandary,' which means a state of uncertainty or confusion. Others propose that it could be linked to the Latin word 'conimbricēnsis,' which referred to a type of word puzzle. Regardless of its exact origin, 'conundrum' etymologically represents a situation that is perplexing or confusing, typically because it lacks a clear and straightforward solution or answer. Its historical use in English has cemented its meaning as a term for complex and puzzling dilemmas.

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Further usage examples of conundrum

1. The doctor was faced with a conundrum when trying to decide the best course of treatment for the patient.
2. The business owner was confronted with a conundrum when trying to decide whether to expand the company or focus on maintaining the current level of success.
3. The lawyer was presented with a conundrum when trying to decide whether to take on a controversial case.
4. The artist was faced with a conundrum when trying to decide whether to stick with her current style or try something new.
5. The musician was confronted with a conundrum when trying to decide which song to perform at the concert.
6. The writer was presented with a conundrum when trying to decide which of her ideas to pursue.
7. The journalist was faced with a conundrum when trying to decide whether to reveal a source or protect their confidentiality.
8. The designer was confronted with a conundrum when trying to decide between two different design concepts.
9. The architect was presented with a conundrum when trying to design a building that would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
10. The programmer was faced with a conundrum when trying to debug a complex piece of software.
11. The teacher was confronted with a conundrum when trying to balance the needs of the individual students with those of the class as a whole.
12. The counselor was presented with a conundrum when trying to decide the best course of action for a client with multiple conflicting issues.
13. The researcher was faced with a conundrum when trying to determine the cause of the unexpected results.
14. Solving this ethical conundrum requires careful consideration.
15. The mystery presented a perplexing conundrum for detectives.
16. We faced a financial conundrum when unexpected expenses arose.
17. Navigating the complex world of politics can be a conundrum.
18. The professor posed a mathematical conundrum to the students.
19. Balancing work and family can be a common conundrum.
20. Science often grapples with the conundrum of the unknown.
21. The decision was a moral conundrum with no easy answers.
22. Philosophers have debated this ethical conundrum for centuries.
23. In literature, the character's inner conundrum adds depth to the story.