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predicament

noun

/prɪˈdɪkəm(ə)nt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of predicament

A difficult or unfortunate situation, often one that is caused by a complex set of circumstances and from which there is no easy or obvious way out.
"She was in a difficult predicament when her passport got stolen abroad."

Detailed meaning of predicament

It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from personal difficulties to global problems. For example, a person who is caught between two conflicting obligations or responsibilities may be described as being in a predicament. Similarly, a country that is facing a humanitarian crisis may be said to be in a predicament.
The term implies a difficult or uncomfortable situation, often characterized by a lack of clear options or solutions and suggesting that the person or thing described as in a predicament is in a difficult position or in a state of uncertainty. It implies that the situation is complex and that the person or thing affected may have to make a difficult choice or decision.
It can also imply a sense of being trapped, or of being in a difficult, uncertain or uncomfortable position, due to the lack of clear options or solutions.

Example sentences containing predicament

1. Finding a solution to the financial predicament proved challenging.
2. Their predicament demanded creative problem-solving.
3. In a tight predicament, he relied on his resourcefulness.
4. The legal predicament left them feeling helpless and anxious.
5. Her predicament required swift and decisive action.
6. We offered assistance in their time of predicament.

History and etymology of predicament

The noun 'predicament' has its origins in Latin and Middle English. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'praedicamentum,' which referred to a category or classification, often used in philosophical discussions. In medieval philosophy, these categories were used to classify different types of predicaments or predicatable qualities. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to take on its modern meaning of a difficult or unfortunate situation, often one that is caused by a complex set of circumstances and from which there is no easy or obvious way out. The etymology of 'predicament' thus reflects its historical connection to the categorization of complex situations and the challenges they pose, highlighting the intricate nature of human predicaments.

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Further usage examples of predicament

1. The political predicament required careful diplomacy.
2. His predicament was the result of a series of unfortunate events.
3. Overcoming the predicament demanded courage and resilience.
4. We brainstormed options to escape the predicament.
5. The team worked together to navigate the complex predicament.
6. His financial predicament left him with few options.
7. Finding himself lost in the dense forest was a dire predicament.
8. She faced a predicament when her car broke down in the middle of nowhere.
9. The team's predicament grew worse as they fell behind in the game.
10. The predicament of the stranded hikers worsened as night fell.
11. Getting caught in a sudden rainstorm was an unexpected predicament.
12. The company's financial predicament led to layoffs.
13. We need to find a solution to this predicament quickly.
14. Her predicament made her realize the importance of saving money.
15. The predicament of the homeless population is a pressing issue.
16. His predicament was the result of poor decision-making.
17. The detective faced a puzzling predicament in the unsolved case.
18. The predicament of the starving children touched our hearts.
19. The predicament of the trapped miners captured the nation's attention.
20. His predicament was worsened by his lack of medical insurance.
21. Finding a way out of this predicament will require teamwork.
22. The predicament of the refugee families is heart-wrenching.
23. Their predicament was compounded by the harsh winter weather.
24. The character in the novel faced a moral predicament that tested his values.