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

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
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.
However, Kutcher noticed a double standard still exists. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 This was a double standard that all Haitian revolutionaries were held to – but Dessalines was singled out. Julia Gaffield, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 But that system came with a double standard — one that favored Americans and penalized everyone else. Remy Blumenfeld, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025 This same double standard applies to everything. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for double standard

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double standard was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Double standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20standard. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on double standard

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