Dilemma usage

The noun dilemma, meaning a choice between two unfavorable or mutually exclusive alternatives, is often misused. Most commonly, it’s used to mean a difficult situation or as a synonym for predicament (which means a difficult or trying situation), plight, or quandary. For example, these authors misuse dilemma to mean a difficult situation:

After the recession forced credit card companies to purge the riskiest loans, the industry is facing a new dilemma: customers who are too good. [The Dallas Morning News]

This week I address a different parenting dilemma: how not to lose patience with your kids. [Huffington Post]

Jonathan Niese won his fifth straight decision Friday night and the Mets finally solved the dilemma that’s been the Nationals, 5-3. [WSJ]

And these are examples of correct dilemma usage:

There’s the dilemma . . . Religious organizations face a choice between altering their core beliefs or forfeiting privileges enjoyed by others.  [NYT Opinionator]

Safety vs. independence, a dilemma in caring for the elderly [headline, The Philadelphia Inquirer]

China now faces a dilemma of whether to loosen the restrictions on land supply and forego food security or live with the housing bubble but maintain food security. Both are unappealing options. [Asia One]