Dilema or Dilemma: The Correct Spellings

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 22, 2023

Dilema is incorrect; the correct spelling is "dilemma," which means a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, often equally undesirable.

Dilema or Dilemma

Which is correct: Dilema or Dilemma

How to spell Dilemma?

Dilema

Dilema

Dilemma

Dilemma

Is it Dilema or Dilemma

To remember the correct spelling of "dilemma," one could think of the word "Emma," a common name, being in the middle of a difficult situation — she is caught in the "di-Emma." This mnemonic device keeps the double "m" in mind.

Nov 22, 2023

The correct spelling is "dilemma," not "dilema." The primary difference is the presence of a double "m" in the correct form. The word "dilemma" is derived from a Greek compound of two terms, "di" meaning two, and "lemma" meaning premises or options. Together, they describe a situation with two difficult choices.

Nov 22, 2023

"Dilema" is wrong because it does not reflect the etymological structure of the word which is rooted in the original Greek. There are no other forms of "dilemma" in the sense of varying the number of "m"s.

Nov 22, 2023

How Do You Spell Dilemma Correctly?

Incorrect: He was in a serious dilema over whether to accept the job offer.

Correct: He was in a serious dilemma over whether to accept the job offer.

Nov 22, 2023

Incorrect: She faced the dilema of choosing career over her personal life.

Correct: She faced the dilemma of choosing career over her personal life.

Nov 22, 2023

Incorrect: Choosing between the two colleges put her in a real dilema.

Correct: Choosing between the two colleges put her in a real dilemma.

Nov 22, 2023

Incorrect: John's moral dilema was whether to keep the money he found or report it.

Correct: John's moral dilemma was whether to keep the money he found or report it.

Nov 22, 2023

Incorrect: The climber encountered a dilema when two paths appeared, each as perilous as the other.

Correct: The climber encountered a dilemma when two paths appeared, each as perilous as the other.

Nov 22, 2023

Dilemma Definitions

A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.

She faced the dilemma of having to choose between her career and moving abroad with her spouse.

Nov 04, 2023

A predicament that seemingly defies a satisfactory solution.

The unexpected turn of events left them in a dilemma.

Nov 04, 2023

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

His dilemma was apparent as he stood silent before the two roads that diverged in the woods.

Nov 04, 2023

A difficult situation or problem.

The ethical dilemma of the case puzzled the jury.

Nov 04, 2023

An argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent.

The philosopher's dilemma was a topic of much debate in the academic community.

Nov 04, 2023

Dilemma Meaning in a Sentence

Her dilemma was whether to invest in her education or start a business.

Nov 22, 2023

Facing a dilemma, she pondered long into the night about her decision.

Nov 22, 2023

Choosing between honesty and friendship was his greatest dilemma.

Nov 22, 2023

The environmental dilemma we face today is balancing development with conservation.

Nov 22, 2023

In a classic dilemma, the hero must choose between love and duty.

Nov 22, 2023

Every character in the novel faces their own moral dilemma.

Nov 22, 2023

They reached a dilemma when the map showed two paths to the treasure.

Nov 22, 2023

Parents often face the dilemma of how to fairly distribute attention among their children.

Nov 22, 2023

The jury found themselves in a dilemma, unable to decide the defendant's fate.

Nov 22, 2023

The political dilemma of the situation required a delicate balance between diplomacy and assertiveness.

Nov 22, 2023

Dilemma Idioms

A dilemma of conscience

A situation where one has to choose between what is morally right and what is beneficial or instructed.

The soldier faced a dilemma of conscience when ordered to carry out a mission that went against his ethical beliefs.

Nov 22, 2023

A voter's dilemma

When a voter is uncertain which candidate to choose because none represent their views adequately.

Many felt a voter's dilemma at the polls, finding flaws with all the candidates.

Nov 22, 2023

On the horns of a dilemma

Faced with two undesirable alternatives and having to choose one.

When offered two job promotions in different cities, Mia was on the horns of a dilemma.

Nov 22, 2023

Caught in a dilemma

To be stuck between two equally unappealing choices or decisions.

She was caught in a dilemma between attending her best friend's wedding and her brother's graduation, as they were on the same day.

Nov 22, 2023

A policy dilemma

A situation in which a decision-maker faces a difficult choice in choosing between competing public policies.

The mayor was facing a policy dilemma, whether to invest in public transportation or to allocate the funds to healthcare.

Nov 22, 2023

A parent's dilemma

A difficult choice parents must make, often concerning the welfare or upbringing of their child.

Choosing between enforcing strict discipline or allowing freedom was a constant parent's dilemma for them.

Nov 22, 2023

Ethical dilemma

A situation where a person must choose between moral principles or actions that conflict.

The doctor faced an ethical dilemma when deciding whether to respect a patient's privacy or to inform the family about the patient's critical condition.

Nov 22, 2023

A financial dilemma

A situation where one must make a tough choice regarding financial matters.

After losing her job, she encountered a financial dilemma, whether to dip into her savings or try to find work immediately.

Nov 22, 2023

A personal dilemma

An individual's private struggle to make a difficult decision.

He was in a personal dilemma about moving abroad for work and leaving his aging parents alone.

Nov 22, 2023

A strategic dilemma

A situation in which a decision-maker in an organization faces a difficult choice between different strategic directions.

The company faced a strategic dilemma in choosing between investing in new technology or expanding its current market.

Nov 22, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the word "dilemma"?

"Dilemma" originates from the Greek "di-" meaning "two" and "lemma" meaning "propositions" or "choices," referring to a situation with two problematic choices.

Nov 22, 2023

Does the meaning of "dilemma" change in different contexts?

The core meaning of "dilemma" as a difficult choice remains the same, though the context can vary from personal to ethical dilemmas.

Nov 22, 2023

How can one avoid spelling "dilemma" incorrectly?

One can remember the correct spelling by associating it with a mnemonic, like remembering that "Emma" is in the middle of a "di-Emma."

Nov 22, 2023

Can "dilemma" be used to describe a situation with more than two options?

Traditionally, "dilemma" refers to a choice between two options, but it can be used more loosely to describe a difficult situation with multiple choices.

Nov 22, 2023

Is there a plural form for "dilemma"?

Yes, the plural form of "dilemma" is "dilemmas."

Nov 22, 2023

Are there any synonyms for "dilemma" that might have a different spelling?

Synonyms for "dilemma" include quandary, predicament, and conundrum, but they do not help with the spelling of "dilemma."

Nov 22, 2023

Why do people often misspell "dilemma" as "dilema"?

The misspelling "dilema" may occur due to incorrect phonetic interpretation or misunderstanding of the word's etymology.

Nov 22, 2023

How do you use "dilemma" in a sentence?

"Dilemma" is a noun and can be used in a sentence to describe a situation with a difficult choice, such as "She was faced with the dilemma of choosing between her career or her family."

Nov 22, 2023

Are there any other common misspellings of "dilemma" besides "dilema"?

Another common misspelling is "dilemna," which may be due to false analogy with words ending in "-mn," like "condemn."

Nov 22, 2023

Managable or Manageable

Lonley or Lonely

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Written by

At Spellings wiki, Muneeza stands as a beacon of accuracy and precision, championing the importance of correct spellings in the written word.

Edited by

Muazma is a dedicated writer for Spellings.Wiki. Passionate about the intricacies of English spellings and etymology, she simplifies complex language elements for her global audience. Beyond her work, Muazma stays updated on language trends by participating in workshops and conferences. An avid reader and traveler, she enjoys exploring cultures and languages during her leisure time.