Conundrum
Word of the Day
What is Conundrum?
noun
A confusing and difficult problem or question.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to reflect the kind of real-world decisions—ethical, personal, political—that often have no perfect answer.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
She faced a conundrum: take the promotion or pursue her passion.
The new law creates a legal conundrum that courts have yet to resolve.
Climate change poses an international conundrum with no easy answers.
Word Origins
Origin unknown; possibly pseudo-Latin for comic effect
Originally a whimsical or pun-based riddle, the word evolved to mean a serious and perplexing problem.
First appearance in English: late 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
The case remains a riddle for investigators.
-
Noun:
He was stuck in a dilemma between duty and desire.
-
Adjective:
It was a conundrum-like choice with no right answer.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: enigma
- French: casse-tête
- German: Rätsel
- Italian: enigma
- Portuguese: enigma
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Dilemma
“Dilemma” involves a difficult choice between options; “conundrum” can be broader or more abstract.
Paradox
“Paradox” is a statement that contradicts itself; “conundrum” is a complex puzzle or problem.
Puzzle
“Puzzle” suggests something to solve; “conundrum” often lacks a clear solution.
Fun Facts
- The word "conundrum" began as a nonsense term in Oxford student slang.
- Some scholars believe it was created to mimic Latin, making fun of pretentious academia.
Cultural Usage
- The “trolley problem” is a famous moral conundrum that pits utilitarianism against individual rights.
- Standardized testing raises the conundrum of fairness versus efficiency in measuring intelligence.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes mistaken as a formal synonym for “problem”; “conundrum” implies a deeper complexity.
Micro Story
Balancing economic growth and environmental protection remains a conundrum for policymakers.