variants
also vicious cycle
as in cycle
a repeating situation or condition in which one problem causes another problem that makes the first problem worse
We're trapped in a vicious circle of needing to borrow money in order to pay debts.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vicious circle
Dreaming of owning For now, scores of Londoners are trapped in a vicious circle.
—
Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
This is an important step towards justice and accountability for women and girls in Afghanistan - women and girls who have been effectively separated, segregated and removed from the public square, locked in the vicious circle of gender apartheid.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Coupled with a new Trump trade war, the resulting economic slowdown could create a vicious circle.
—Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Deflation could lead to a vicious circle by driving down spending and investment, which in turn lead to weaker economic growth and higher unemployment.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
This is an important step towards justice and accountability for women and girls in Afghanistan - women and girls who have been effectively separated, segregated and removed from the public square, locked in the vicious circle of gender apartheid.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Coupled with a new Trump trade war, the resulting economic slowdown could create a vicious circle.
—Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Deflation could lead to a vicious circle by driving down spending and investment, which in turn lead to weaker economic growth and higher unemployment.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
-
With a range of 560 miles (900 km) according to the WLTP cycle, the i3 50 will likely outperform the 360-mile (580-km) WLTP range of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 July 2025
-
Unless it is done to protect the rhizomes against frost heave due to freeze-and-thaw cycles during the winter, don't mulch irises.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Amazon’s past success with using Prime Day to drive sales and attract new members spurred other major retail chains to schedule competing sales in July.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Its over-the-shoulder chain instantly elevates any outfit, and the bag's rainbow tweed look is sophisticated, polished, and flirty all at once.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The Tarte Shape Tape formula delivers full, flawless coverage that instantly brightens dark circles, blurs blemishes, and sculpts the face without feeling heavy.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
5 July 2025
-
Eye Activator by Westman Atelier Dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines immediately add years to one’s appearance.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Two critical lessons include the importance of integrating them into a larger professional learning strategy and viewing them as part of a continuum of educator career development strategies. Micro-credentials are more than just a resume booster for educators.—
Bruno V. Manno,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
Upfront, Rivas portrays this first-time facial as part of a continuum of at-home treatment.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share