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

Having double standards for players is a surefire way to lose the locker room. —Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

Clear double standard Educational institutions across the U.S. clearly have serious problems with hate crimes against both Jewish and Black people. —Shaun Harper, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025

The discussion around beauty standards and the double standard was very authentic. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025

Perhaps unsurprisingly, workers who have been stung by RTO mandates will likely be left reeling by the double standards of the findings—and CEOs know it. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025

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