What does "dilemma" refer to in a decision-making scenario?

In a decision-making scenario, the term "dilemma" refers specifically to a situation where an individual is faced with two challenging choices, both of which come with significant downsides or disadvantages. Typically, this involves an argument or a scenario that compels a person to choose between two unfavorable alternatives, meaning that neither option presents a satisfactory resolution.

This understanding of a dilemma highlights the complexity and difficulty often present in decision-making situations, wherein choosing one option may lead to negative consequences while the other offers no particularly advantageous outcome. The inherent struggle in such situations reflects the nature of the dilemma itself, which revolves around the lack of ideal choices and the need to make a tough decision amidst less than desirable circumstances.