dilemma vs plight

Both 'dilemma' and 'plight' are correct English words, but they are used in different contexts. 'Dilemma' refers to a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two alternatives. On the other hand, 'plight' is used to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation. While both words convey a sense of difficulty, 'dilemma' specifically implies a choice between two undesirable options, whereas 'plight' is a more general term for a difficult situation.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1104 views

The word 'dilemma' is correct and commonly used in English to describe a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two alternatives.

"dilemma"

Use 'dilemma' when referring to a situation where a difficult decision needs to be made between two options, both of which are undesirable.

Examples:

She faced a dilemma when she had to choose between her job and her family.
I'm in a dilemma about whether to study abroad or stay close to home.

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We often have that dilemma within Member States.
Jen has a real honest to goodness personal and professional dilemma.
Your current dilemma strikes me as a case of poor alliances.
It feels like this big moral dilemma.
Mrs Van Brempt clearly stated what the dilemma was for the Belgian Government.
Mrs Van Brempt already pointed this out: we are faced with a dilemma.
This is about you and your dilemma.
The dilemma for emerging countries is real.
So, it seems you have another dilemma.
Well, that is my dilemma, Mr. Palmer.
We are now faced with a dilemma.
These people and this dilemma couldn't happen anywhere else in America.
I do hope your sister understands the President's dilemma.
He explained the dilemma on Tequila Sunrise.
I say it's a false dilemma.
This reflects precisely the dilemma in which the groups have placed me.
Early in my career, I faced this dilemma by simply lying.
I'm empathizing with A.J.'S dilemma.
European policymakers have been agonizing over the same dilemma throughout the Cyprus crisis.
In fact, German reunification only provided the final impetus for a project conceived in the 1980s to resolve a longstanding dilemma.

Alternatives:

predicament
quandary
conundrum
difficulty
problem

The word 'plight' is correct and commonly used in English to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation.

"plight"

Use 'plight' to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation that someone is in.

Examples:

The refugees were in a desperate plight, with no food or shelter.
She found herself in a plight after losing her job and home.

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Conditioned to mock, ignore another person's plight.
Someone who could come to understand our plight.
It's the plight of all heroes today.
Our failure to alleviate their plight is morally reprehensible.
Capital flight would materially add to their plight - in some cases disastrously so.
The plight of a mother it is very sad.
We're here to better our plight, not muddy it.
Olive identified with the plight of the abandoned pie.
We must remember this and similar cases and the plight of all women under Sharia law in the African continent.
The plight of others is being ignored.
He'll appear both strong and emotionally engaged in the plight of those affected.
She can find someone else to represent the plight of a disfiguring skin disease.
Amnesty International has also called our attention to their plight.
The terrible plight of Christians in that country is alarming.
Slaves knew Kennedy was sympathetic to their plight.
His plight will be beneficial to everyone.
You know I stand sympathetic toward your plight.
The President doesn 't care about the Hispanic plight.
We're not blind to the plight of New England.
No ancient plight will ever justify your intention to enslave my daughter.

Alternatives:

predicament
predicament
difficulty
hardship
adversity

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dilemma vs plight

"dilemma"

"plight"

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