pre|dic|a|ment

pre|dic|a|ment «prih DIHK uh muhnt», noun.

1. an unpleasant, difficult, or dangerous situation: »

She was in a predicament when she missed the last train home.

2. any condition, state, or situation.

3. that which can be predicated; attribute.

4. Logic. one of the categories or classes of predication.

╂[< Late Latin praedicāmentum quality, category; (literally) something predicated < Latin praedicāre; see etym. under predicate (Cf. ↑predicate)]

Synonym Study 1 Predicament, plight, dilemma mean a bad situation. Predicament implies that it is perplexing or difficult to get out of it: »

The people inside the burning house were in a dangerous predicament.

Plight implies that it is unfortunate or even hopeless: »

We are distressed by the plight of refugees caught in the midst of war.

Dilemma implies that it involves a choice between two things, both disagreeable: »

She is faced with the dilemma of telling a lie or betraying her friend.