double whammy

noun

: a combination of two usually adverse forces, circumstances, or effects

Examples of double whammy in a Sentence

With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.

Recent Examples on the Web

The trend of hospitals asking for money up front represents a double whammy for patients. — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The double whammy of new classes and high temps is all the more reason to treat yourself — or the back-to-schooler in your life — at one of these incredible new ice cream and gelato destinations around the region. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Radio got hit with a double whammy of bad news last week, affecting both AM and FM bands. — Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 10 Aug. 2026

But a renter has probably absorbed years of increases, while new homebuyers face the double whammy of steep prices and high borrowing costs. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for double whammy

• chamois
• clammy
• grammy
• mammy
• sami
• sammie
• sammy
• tammy