conundrum

Definition

A confusing and difficult problem or question; a puzzle that seems to have no satisfactory solution.

Etymology

Origin uncertain, first appearing in English around 1590, possibly as academic slang at Oxford University. It may be a mock-Latin formation meant to sound learned and mysterious, fitting for a word that describes puzzling situations.

Learn this word in a 5-minute lesson

Hook, Story, Wonder, Action, Wisdom — one word at a time.

Start Today's Lesson

No account required. 365 lessons across 19 languages.

Translations (30 languages)

Try another word →

For Developers

Access this word programmatically via the Word Orb API. Starter tier: 10,000 calls/day, no credit card.

curl https://api.wordorb.ai/api/word/conundrum View API Pricing →