Predicament

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/

Definitions of predicament

noun a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation

Example Sentences

A1 I found myself in a predicament when I couldn't find my keys.

A2 She was in a predicament when her car broke down on a deserted road.

B1 The company faced a predicament when their main supplier went out of business.

B2 The detective had to come up with a solution to the predicament of solving a cold case.

C1 The politician's predicament was how to balance public opinion with party loyalty.

C2 The CEO's predicament was whether to merge with a competitor or remain independent.

Examples of predicament in a Sentence

formal The company found itself in a predicament when their main supplier went out of business.

informal I'm in a bit of a predicament with my car - it won't start and I need to get to work.

slang She got herself into a real predicament when she accidentally sent a text meant for her friend to her boss.

figurative His predicament was like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, with no easy way out.

Grammatical Forms of predicament

past tense

predicated

plural

predicaments

comparative

more predicament

superlative

most predicament

present tense

predicates

future tense

will predicate

perfect tense

have predicated

continuous tense

is predicating

singular

predicament

positive degree

predicament

infinitive

to predicate

gerund

predicating

participle

predicating

Origin and Evolution of predicament

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'predicament' originated from the Latin word 'praedicamentum' which means 'something predicted or declared'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'predicament' evolved to refer to a difficult or unpleasant situation, reflecting the idea of something being predicted or declared as problematic.