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
If people believed that inner joy was an index of personal redemption, then some might also read their own low mood as signs of their abandonment by God and fall into a vicious circle of self-reinforcing anguish.
—
Literary Hub, 10 Mar. 2026
Hamas may commit to some version of disarmament, but their militant ideology, desire for influence over Gaza’s future, and the presence of the IDF will give them a thousand reasons not to give up their arms, and their failure to do so, in turn, will give the IDF reason to stay—a vicious circle.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2025
But Carter, who still suffers nightmares and panic attacks, found himself in a vicious circle of mental breakdowns followed by escalating sanctions, each leaving Carter further from receiving effective treatment and further from getting paroled, Margolis said.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 May 2025
This vicious circle means that for electric-plane design, adding batteries to boost range isn't a viable strategy.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 May 2016
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Literary Hub, 10 Mar. 2026
Hamas may commit to some version of disarmament, but their militant ideology, desire for influence over Gaza’s future, and the presence of the IDF will give them a thousand reasons not to give up their arms, and their failure to do so, in turn, will give the IDF reason to stay—a vicious circle.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2025
But Carter, who still suffers nightmares and panic attacks, found himself in a vicious circle of mental breakdowns followed by escalating sanctions, each leaving Carter further from receiving effective treatment and further from getting paroled, Margolis said.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 May 2025
This vicious circle means that for electric-plane design, adding batteries to boost range isn't a viable strategy.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 May 2016
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
-
Spain's double totality One of the most fascinating aspects of this eclipse cycle is Spain's unique position.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
-
Since kicking off in Honduras in February, a cycle of minimal training, maximum recovery has been the norm under Dos Santos.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Walter Fredenhagen was the founder of the Cock Robin ice cream parlor chain.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Precariously balanced on the very tip of Coney Island, Sea Gate, where I was raised, is surrounded by water on three sides and divided from the rest of the world by a two-story chain link fence.—
Gabrielle Glancy,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
In her once-easy-to-navigate social circles, communication was often even harder.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The issue is moving beyond niche environmental circles and into mainstream public concern that crosses culture-war boundaries.—
Justin Zorn,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The priority has to be a full continuum of care — emergency interim housing, permanent supportive housing and mental health services — so people can rebuild their lives safely and sustainably.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
The telltale signature of abundant dust lies within the galaxy’s continuum of ultraviolet light, which has a relatively flat slope as a result of absorption from the dust.—
Jenna Ahart,
Scientific American,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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