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

Defenders say that social campaigns from other countries also intermingle funds and a double standard is being applied to Israel. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

Larsson enlists Argentine singer Emilia to call out the double standards that can make the pop arena feel more like a boxing ring for women in the genre. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026

While supporters argue women in politics face unfair double standards. —Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

Hardly surprising when the average American citizen is being fiscally mugged by the consequences of double standards that have long been at play, with Israeli entities not only exempt from registering as foreign agents, but exceptionally blessed to freely interfere in American political life. —Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 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