di·lem·ma / diˈlemə/ • n. a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, esp. equally undesirable ones: the people often face the dilemma of feeding themselves or their cattle. ∎ inf. a difficult situation or problem: the insoluble dilemma of adolescence. ∎  Logic an argument forcing an opponent to choose either of two unfavorable alternatives.

dilemma a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable (see also on the horns of a dilemma). The word is recorded from the early 16th century, denoting a form of argument involving a choice between equally unfavourable alternatives; it comes via Latin from Greek dilēmma, from di- ‘twice’ + lēmma ‘premise’.

Dilemma ★★½ 1997

On Death Row, Rudy Salazar (Trejo) volunteers to be a bone-marrow donor to a sick child. LAPD detective Quin (Howell) realizes that it's a set-up for an escape and he's right. Then the cops have to catch Salazar again, but they can't kill him without sacrificing the kid. 87m/C DVD . C. Thomas Howell, Danny Trejo, Sofia Shinas; D: Eric Larsen; W: Ira Israel, Chuck Conaway; C: Mark Melville; M: Albritton McClain.

dilemma form of argument involving the opponent in the choice of alternatives; choice between two equally unfavourable alternatives. XVI. — L. — Gr. dílēmma, f. DI- 2 + lêmma assumption, premiss (see LEMMA).

179. Dilemma

1. Buridan’s ass placed exactly between two equal haystacks, could not decide which to turn to in his hunger. [Fr. Philos.: Brewer Dictionary, 154]