Definition of "predicament" []

• A situation, especially an unpleasant, troublesome, or trying one, from which extrication is difficult. See Usage Note at dilemma. (noun)
• Logic One of the basic states or classifications described by Aristotle into which all things can be placed; a category. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "This time the predicament is a different one and knives are being sharpened."
• "This could have been a great way to give some background metaphor characterization to Emma, but alas, her predicament is never fully explained beyond that; it's only mentioned that she has experienced loss."
• "At the core of Joanna's predicament is a conflict of values, inherent in the affair itself, not just in its resolution."