variants
also vicious cycle
as in cycle
a repeating situation or condition in which one problem causes another problem that makes the first problem worse
We're trapped in a vicious circle of needing to borrow money in order to pay debts.
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Recent Examples of vicious circle
Dreaming of owning For now, scores of Londoners are trapped in a vicious circle.
—
Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
This is an important step towards justice and accountability for women and girls in Afghanistan - women and girls who have been effectively separated, segregated and removed from the public square, locked in the vicious circle of gender apartheid.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Coupled with a new Trump trade war, the resulting economic slowdown could create a vicious circle.
—Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Deflation could lead to a vicious circle by driving down spending and investment, which in turn lead to weaker economic growth and higher unemployment.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
This is an important step towards justice and accountability for women and girls in Afghanistan - women and girls who have been effectively separated, segregated and removed from the public square, locked in the vicious circle of gender apartheid.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Coupled with a new Trump trade war, the resulting economic slowdown could create a vicious circle.
—Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Deflation could lead to a vicious circle by driving down spending and investment, which in turn lead to weaker economic growth and higher unemployment.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
-
This creates a self-sustaining cycle of fatigue, caffeine, stress, and more fatigue.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
24 June 2025
-
It’s built through a cycle of effort, failure, feedback and reflection.—
Sarat Chakravarthi,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
In the latest twist, Shooter McGavin (the rival to Sandler’s Happy) gets to be the official spokesperson for the Happy Gilmore Meal, which is an actual offering going on sale at the chain later this summer.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
26 June 2025
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The chain also announced a new Chipotle Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap is joining the menu.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Mattias Johansson returned to the winner’s circle and looks fully recovered from his knee replacement 6 months ago.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
According to People magazine, Kate currently has a support network that primarily consists of family and a close circle of trusted friends.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
Noun
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The federal proposal would slash disbursements to continuums of care and instead issue money to states as Emergency Solutions Grants, which are more restrictive.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 June 2025
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These fall along a continuum from only one company in a market to thousands, but generally divide into four general groups of market behaviors: perfect competition, oligopolies, monopolistic competition and pure monopoly.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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