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

Her revelations illuminate ongoing gender double standards in political and public life, as public figures—particularly women—are often subjected to intense judgment on issues unrelated to their professional roles. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Which makes Shelley Joseph today’s poster gal for the corrupt double standards in the Massachusetts legal system. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

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

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