dilemma

Etymology

PIE word *dwóh₁ First attested 1523, from Late Latin dilemma, from Ancient Greek δίλημμα (dílēmma, “ambiguous proposition”), from δι- (di-, “having two of”) + λῆμμα (lêmma, “premise, proposition”).

noun

1. A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
   A strong dilemma in a desperate case! / To act with infamy, or quit the place. 1731, Jonathan Swift, An Epistle to Mr. Gay
2. A difficult circumstance or problem.
3. (logic) A type of syllogism of the form "if A is true then B is true; if C is true then D is true; either A or C is true; therefore either B or D is true".
4. (rhetoric) Offering to an opponent a choice between two (equally unfavorable) alternatives.