predicament

English

Alternative forms

• prædicament (chiefly obsolete)

Etymology

From Old French, from Late Latin praedicamentum (“that which is predicated, a predicament, category, Medieval Latin also a preaching, discourse”), from Latin praedicare (“to declare, proclaim, predicate”); see predicate.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pɹɪˈdɪkəmənt/, SAMPA: /pr\I"dIk@m@nt/

Noun

predicament (plural predicaments)

1. A definite class, state or condition.
2. An unfortunate or trying position or condition; a tight spot.
   • 2011 December 10, Marc Higginson, “Bolton 1 - 2 Aston Villa”, BBC Sport:

     The Midlanders will hope the victory will kickstart a campaign that looked to have hit the buffers, but the sense of trepidation enveloping the Reebok Stadium heading into the new year underlines the seriousness of the predicament facing Owen Coyle's men.

3. (logic) That which is predicated; a category.

Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:difficult situation

Related terms

• preach
• predicate

Translations

A definite class, state or condition.

German: Kategorie (de) f.

An unfortunate or trying position or condition.

German: Lage (de) f. (missliche ~; unglückliche ~)

That which is predicated; a category.

German: Kategorie (de) f.

See also

• can of worms
• difficulty
• kettle of fish
• tight spot
• trouble

References

• predicament in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• predicament in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• predicament at OneLook Dictionary Search