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"

• care — a cause for feeling concern
• corner, box — a predicament from which a skillful or graceful escape is impossible
• hot water — a dangerous or distressing predicament

• difficulty — a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome