conundrum
/kəˈnʌn.dɹəm/
Group 33Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A confusing and difficult problem or question GRE
Example in Context
The ethical conundrum posed by the new technology divided scholars who could agree on the science but not on its moral implications.
Synonyms
puzzleriddlemystery
Etymology
A wave of confusion that comes with puzzling problems.
- con- (Latin) — with
- undare (Latin) — to wave
Memory Aid
🍦🥁Sounds like “cone and drum”
A giant ice cream CONE AND DRUM parade confuses everyone about which dessert to eat first!
Visual Association
🧩A giant puzzle with pieces that don't seem to fit together, leaving everyone scratching their heads.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “conundrum” mean on the GRE?
conundrum (noun) means “A confusing and difficult problem or question”. The ethical conundrum posed by the new technology divided scholars who could agree on the science but not on its moral implications.
How to remember “conundrum” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “conundrum” sounds like “cone and drum”. A giant ice cream CONE AND DRUM parade confuses everyone about which dessert to eat first!
What are synonyms for “conundrum”?
Common synonyms: puzzle, riddle, mystery.