conundrum

[kəˈnʌn.dɹəm]
[kəˈnʌn.dɹəm]
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A conundrum is a confusing or puzzling problem that can't easily be solved. It's like trying to figure out a tricky riddle.

People often use this word when talking about complex issues that seem impossible to fix. For example, if you're stuck on a puzzle and just can't think of the answer, it might be called a conundrum. In politics or business, someone might say they're facing a conundrum because they have to balance different priorities at once, like making money while also being environmentally friendly. Some people use this word even when talking about everyday life - if you're deciding what to wear and can't decide between two outfits that both seem perfect, it could be considered a small-scale conundrum!

How common is "conundrum"?

Word conundrum is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

noun

  • A difficult question or riddle, especially one using a play on words in the answer.

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Real examples of "conundrum" in context

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