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
Thanks to the vicious circle Beijing has created, the economy now routinely struggles to reach its annual growth target of five percent and is constantly battling deflation.
—
Dan Wang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Although the head coach has a squad deep in quantity and quality, periods with several players out injured can be a vicious circle for Hurzeler.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Dan Wang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Although the head coach has a squad deep in quantity and quality, periods with several players out injured can be a vicious circle for Hurzeler.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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At the end of the cycle, which ends with the New York City Marathon next month, the three runners with the most points will receive a prize bonus.—
Bette Canter,
Sportico.com,
12 Oct. 2025
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Freeman notes that Dominion Energy South Carolina recommends washing full loads with cold water, as water heating can represent up to 80% of the energy consumed during a wash cycle.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Around 2013, Hewson was part of an email chain of around twenty researchers working on the problem.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Oct. 2025
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As for accessories, Stewart added a silver chain necklace to her ensemble with a small padlock motif.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The firm’s advisory board has included retired military and national security officials, giving it deep reach into federal contracting circles.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Oct. 2025
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Israel remains fully and unequivocally committed to the Abraham Accords, to expanding the circle of peace, deepening our partnerships, and ensuring that the promise of stability, prosperity, and coexistence becomes the enduring legacy of our generation.—
Yossi Shelley,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There's a continuum about it that's just absolutely beautiful.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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Precisely for this reason, what is particularly important is the undertone of the brown lipstick, which can be pinkish or orange to create a continuum with the complexion, avoiding creating disharmonious contrasts.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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