What word describes a state of uncertainty in a choice between unfavorable options?

The term that best describes a state of uncertainty when faced with unfavorable options is "quandary." A quandary refers specifically to a situation where one is perplexed or confused about what decision to make, particularly in the context of two or more challenging alternatives. It encapsulates the essence of feeling stuck or indecisive, often due to a lack of a clear or desirable choice.

In contrast, conviction denotes a firmly held belief or opinion, which doesn't align with indecision. Certainty refers to a state of being sure about something, directly opposing the concept of uncertainty. Compliance involves adhering to rules or standards, which is unrelated to the experience of weighing negative options. Thus, quandary accurately captures the feeling of grappling with difficult choices.