as in dilemma
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
the double bind faced by every politician: responding to scurrilous charges only gives them unwarranted publicity; not responding to such charges is often interpreted as an admission of guilt
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Recent Examples of double bind
The dynamic has put some condo owners in a double bind, Marcus said — unable to afford special assessments for repairs or rising maintenance fees and insurance rates, but also unable to sell their units for a reasonable sum.
—
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The concept evidently places defense lawyers in a double bind.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
The double bind highlights the hypocrisy women face at work.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Despite firm commitments to advancing women into leadership roles, significant barriers remain, starting with the double bind.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The concept evidently places defense lawyers in a double bind.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
The double bind highlights the hypocrisy women face at work.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Despite firm commitments to advancing women into leadership roles, significant barriers remain, starting with the double bind.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double bind
Noun
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The deep-sea mining dilemma Deep-sea mining isn’t a new idea.—
Christian Elliott,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
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George Cunningham, senior vice president of public safety with Goldenvoice, explained the dilemma — and the steps being taken to address it — while speaking to the La Quinta City Council Tuesday.—
Tom Coulter,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Another problem: The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to hear its challenge of a rule that prevents a president from firing independent agency board members without cause.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Irving with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford along with Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington - that’s a team that would have been a problem.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Double bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20bind. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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