predicament

noun

pre·​dic·​a·​ment pri-ˈdi-kə-mənt How to pronounce predicament (audio)
sense 1 is usually ˈpre-di-kə-
Synonyms of predicament
1
: the character, status, or classification assigned by a predication
specifically : category sense 1
2
: condition, state
especially : a difficult, perplexing, or trying situation
I don't know how we're going to get out of this predicament.

Synonyms of predicament

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Examples of predicament in a Sentence

The captain of archers fidgeted and coughed and rolled his eyes at his men, as if such cupidity and dishonor were an inevitable but minor aspect of the human predicament … —Michael Chabon, New York Times Magazine, 6 May 2007
We saw photographs that week of buildings burning, stunned onlookers, dust-covered firemen. Very few pictures conveyed the fact that people just like us, our fellow passengers on the subway, suddenly found themselves in a mortal predicament and many died horribly. —Garrison Keillor, New York Times Book Review, 3 Sept. 2006
The President found himself in the backwash of earlier deals, and the demands of secrecy made his predicament the more vexing. —Taylor Branch, Parting the Waters, 1988
The governor has gotten himself into quite a predicament. I don't know how to get out of the predicament I'm in.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In other circumstances, there might be a conversation to be had on whether any such windfall should be pumped into the ordinary budget, given the city’s crummy financial predicament. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Rewarding loyal users Mature apps with longtime subscribers, initially drawn in through low prices and reliable features, face a predicament. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026 But the real issue, Morgan said, is whether that $800 shortfall is a one-time predicament or a chronic issue. — John Csiszar, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 News of the rescue has gotten hundreds of reactions on social media, with many noting the dog’s predicament was heartbreaking. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predicament

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin praedicamentum, from praedicare — see predicate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predicament was in the 14th century

Rhymes for predicament

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Browse Nearby Words

predicable
predicament
predicamental
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Cite this Entry

“Predicament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predicament. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

predicament

noun
pre·​dic·​a·​ment pri-ˈdik-ə-mənt How to pronounce predicament (audio)
: a difficult, puzzling, or trying situation : fix
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