predicament
UK: prɪˈdɪkəmənt | US: prɪˈdɪkəmənt
n. a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation
n. (archaic) a class or category in logic
predicament = pre<before> + dic<say> + ament<noun suffix>
- pre: From Latin prae-, meaning "before" or "in front of."
- dic: From Latin dicare/dicere, meaning "to say" or "to declare."
- ament: A noun-forming suffix, often indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word "predicament" traces back to Late Latin praedicamentum, meaning "a thing declared" or "category in logic." It evolved from praedicare ("to proclaim"), combining prae- (before) and dicare (to say). Originally used in medieval logic to classify propositions, it later broadened to mean "a tricky situation," likely influenced by the idea of being "trapped" by a declared statement or circumstance.
She found herself in a financial predicament after losing her job.
The hikers were in a predicament when they realized they’d lost the trail.
His reckless decisions landed him in a legal predicament.
The team’s lack of preparation led to an avoidable predicament.
In medieval philosophy, Aristotle’s ten categories were called "predicaments."