double standard

noun

1

: a set of principles that applies differently and usually more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another

especially : a code of morals that applies more severe standards of sexual behavior to women than to men

2

: bimetallism

Examples of double standard in a Sentence

She argued that society applies a double standard in dealing with women who commit adultery.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Office star Rainn Wilson says America’s media and entertainment industries have a consistent problem with double standards. —Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026

Hardline politicians slammed the president’s unorthodox choice of attire and activists accused him of double standards, where under Iran’s strict dress codes, ordinary people would be barred from dressing down. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

Democrats’ moral double standard is being exposed in Maine as the party prepares to nominate Graham Platner, an extremist Senate candidate with more baggage than Denver International Airport on Thanksgiving weekend. —Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 3 June 2026

Clearly, there’s a double standard. —Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for double standard

• meandered
• nonstandard
• substandard
• slandered

Kids Definition

double standard

noun

: a set of standards that applies differently and usually more harshly to one group of people or circumstances than to another