plural catch-22's or catch-22s
Definition of catch-22
1
: a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule
the show-business catch-22—no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked— Mary Murphy
also
: the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
2a
: an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation
b
: a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended
c
: a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives
3
: a hidden difficulty or means of entrapment : catch
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for catch-22
The first known use of catch-22 was in 1963
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