1. predicament, quandary, plight -- (a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one; "finds himself in a most awkward predicament"; "the woeful plight of homeless people")
2. dilemma, quandary -- (state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options)
1.
This was a quandary but, bringing common sense to bear on it, evidently there was nothing for it but put a good face on the matter and foot it which they accordingly did. - from Ulysses by James Joyce