Word · Frequency #21357
quandary
窘境；进退两难；困境
a state of perplexity or uncertainty; a difficult situation in which you have to make a choice
- 1.
A state of not knowing what to decide; a state of difficulty or perplexity; a state of uncertainty, hesitation or puzzlement.
不知如何决定的状态；困境或困惑；不确定、犹豫或迷惑。
- 2.
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
难以摆脱的困境,尤其是不愉快或艰难的
- 3.
A dilemma, a difficult decision or choice.
两难境地；困难的抉择。
- 4.
state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
不确定或困惑的状态,尤其是在需要在同样不利的选项中做出选择时
不知如何决定的状态；困境或困惑；不确定、犹豫或迷惑。；难以摆脱的困境,尤其是不愉快或艰难的；两难境地；困难的抉择。；不确定或困惑的状态,尤其是在需要在同样不利的选项中做出选择时；困惑
In use
I'm in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer or stay at my current company.
She faced a quandary when both of her best friends invited her to their weddings on the same day.
The team's quandary was how to finish the project on time without extra staff.
be in a quandary (about/over sth)
此结构表示主语处于犹豫不决的状态，about 或 over 后接犹豫的事项。
She was in a quandary about which dress to wear to the interview.
她对于穿哪条裙子去面试感到左右为难。
face a quandary
face 表示“面临”，主语通常为人或机构。
The government faces a quandary over how to fund the new hospital.
政府为如何资助新医院而面临两难处境。
be in a quandary as to whether...
Connections
Collocations
- in a quandary
- 处于两难境地；不知如何是好
- She was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer.她不知道是否该接受那份工作邀请，处于两难境地。
- face a quandary
- 面临两难困境
- Many graduates face a quandary when choosing between a stable job and a startup.许多毕业生在稳定工作和创业之间做选择时面临两难困境。
- resolve a quandary
- 解决难题；摆脱困境
- He resolved the quandary by asking his mentor for advice.他通过向导师请教解决了难题。
- moral quandary
- 道德困境
- The film explores the moral quandary of lying to protect a child.这部电影探讨了为保护孩子而说谎的道德困境。
- leave someone in a quandary
- 使某人左右为难
- The sudden change of plans left us in a quandary.计划的突然改变使我们左右为难。
Learner notes
Memory Tip
联想：quandary 里藏着 and（和）——这个和那个，左右为难，不知如何决定。
Context & Register
语域：mixed 常见场景：formal writing or journalism、everyday conversation 该词多用于书面语或正式场合，如学术文章、新闻报道，但在日常对话中也会出现，表达进退两难的处境。口语中更常用 dilemma，因此选择何种语体取决于具体语境。
Pronunciation & Spelling
这些词都以 -ary 结尾，但读音差异很大。没有常用词与 quandary /ˈkwɑndɝi/ 真正押韵。其中 boundary 的拼写最像（也含 -dary），但读作 /ˈbaʊndri/；ordinary 和 dictionary 读作 /ˈɔːrdneri/ 和 /ˈdɪkʃəneri/；necessary 读作 /ˈnesəseri/；salary 和 library 读作 /ˈsæləri/ 和 /ˈlaɪbreri/。注意不要根据拼写类推发音。
Learn the forms together
页面下方列出了常见词形变化。学习时注意它们在句子中的语法位置。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.