predicament

[pri-dik-uh-muhnt, pred-i-kuh-muhnt] / prɪˈdɪk ə mənt, ˈprɛd ɪ kə mənt /

NOUN

difficult situation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

circumstance crisis deadlock dilemma hardship imbroglio impasse mess plight posture quagmire quandary

STRONG

asperity bind clutch condition corner drag emergency exigency fix hang-up hole jam juncture lot muddle pass perplexity pickle pinch position puzzle rigor scrape soup spot state strait vicissitude

WEAK

Catch-22 bad news deep water hot water large order rough go ticklish spot tight situation trouble

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage agreement benefit blessing breakthrough solution

STRONG

boon closure ease good fortune peace success

WEAK

fix

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the predicament we face in deciphering the Venetian statistics is hardly unique.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Their fate isn’t nearly as interesting as their predicament.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

After the split, McCartney even likened his predicament to astronauts returning from the Moon.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Punch's predicament sparked huge interest online, spawning a devoted fanbase under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Despite her stiff body, her embarrassment at her predicament, Roza laughed.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

Vocabulary lists containing predicament

In a Pickle: Words for When You're in Trouble

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List 3

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World Without Fish

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!