Does a “Dilemma” Always Involve a Choice Between Two Options?

“Dilemma” is a word that can cause some confusion. The key issue at stake is whether “dilemma” means “problem” in general terms or whether it’s something more specific. Luckily, this post will answer that question (sort of).

Where Does the Word “Dilemma” Come From?

“Dilemma” comes from a technical term in rhetoric, where, roughly speaking, it referred to an argument that presented one’s opponent with two equally undesirable outcomes. It is, accordingly, formed of the prefix di- (meaning “two”) and “lemma” (something received or taken).

This is also where, according to the sticklers, the word’s proper use can be found: i.e. to mean “a situation in which one must make a difficult choice between two courses of action”. Being forced to make such a choice is sometimes referred to as being on the “horns” of a dilemma.

A dilemma on this definition would be something like the famous trolley problem. In this thought experiment, you’re asked whether you would throw a switch to redirect an out-of-control trolley. If you do, it will hit one person and you’ll be responsible for their death. If you don’t, the trolley will continue on its original trajectory and hit a group of people, causing more harm.

It’s a “classical” dilemma because both options have an undesirable outcome to at least some degree. If you throw the switch, your actions lead to someone’s death. If you don’t, your inaction kills a larger number of people instead.

If you use “dilemma” to describe a situation like this, then you’re on safe ground. Not even the most pedantic of grammarians would have a problem with it. However, this isn’t the only modern usage of “dilemma”.

“Dilemma” as a Synonym for “Problem”

Non-rhetoricians have also used “dilemma” as a synonym for “problem” or “predicament”, regardless of whether the situation at hand involves two options.

For example, you might say “rising inflation poses a dilemma for the government” to simply mean “rising inflation poses a problem for the government”. And this wouldn’t necessarily imply that there are two potential (undesirable) solutions.

Likewise, as far as I can tell, the need to make a binary choice between undesirable options is not fundamental to the Nelly and Kelly Rowland song, at least not beyond that expressed in the lyric “I never been the type to break up a happy home, but uh/There's somethin' 'bout baby girl I just can't leave alone”.

Some people will tell you this broader usage is wrong. It certainly ignores the di- element of “dilemma”. However, words often change from their original meaning over time. And, personally, I don’t have an issue with using “dilemma” to mean “problem” or “predicament” more broadly. Ultimately, it’s a question of being understood. If, in context, using “dilemma” could misleadingly imply that you’re presenting a choice between two outcomes when you just mean “problem”, then you’re probably better off using “problem” or another of its many synonyms.

But if ambiguity isn’t an issue and you’re certain your readers will know you mean “problem”, then deciding whether to use “dilemma” isn’t much of a dilemma.

Spelling Tips: Dilemma vs Dilemna

That’s the question of usage dealt with (in a wishy washy manner, admittedly, but dealt with all the same). Now, what about the spelling? “Dilemma” is commonly misspelt as “dilemna”, with an “n” in place of the second “m”. And nobody is entirely sure where this mistake originated. My theory would be that it’s just an easy-to-miss typo, since “mm” and “mn” look similar. But there are people who go their whole lives thinking “dilemna” is correct, so it can’t just be that.

Either way, the correct spelling of “dilemma” is the double “m” one.

Summary: How to Use “Dilemma”

So, how should you use “dilemma”? There are two widespread meanings:

1. Specifically, a situation in which one has to choose between two equally undesirable outcomes. This is the more traditional meaning – based on the etymology of the word – and some people insist it is the only “proper” usage.
2. A problem or predicament in a more general sense.

If you want to be entirely pedantry-proof, especially in formal writing, then you might want to stick to the first definition above. But the general “problem/predicament” usage is now widespread. It’s even covered in some dictionaries. Thus, if you want to use it like this, feel free. And if anybody argues that you’re wrong, you can always point them toward Merriam-Webster.