The difference between Dilemma and Problem

When used as nouns, dilemma means a circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable, whereas problem means a difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.


Problem is also adjective with the meaning: difficult to train or guide.

check bellow for the other definitions of Dilemma and Problem

  1. Dilemma as a noun:

    A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.

  2. Dilemma as a noun:

    A difficult circumstance or problem.

  3. Dilemma as a noun (logic):

    A type of syllogism of the form "if A is true then B is true; if C is true then D is true; either A or C is true; therefore either B or D is true".

  4. Dilemma as a noun (rhetoric):

    Offering to an opponent a choice between two (equally unfavorable) alternatives.

  1. Problem as a noun:

    A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.

    Examples:

    "She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism."

  2. Problem as a noun:

    A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.

  3. Problem as a noun:

    A puzzling circumstance.

  1. Problem as an adjective (of a person or an animal):

    Difficult to train or guide; unruly.

  2. Problem as an adjective:

    Causing a problem; problematic; troublesome.

Compare words: