vicious circles

variants also vicious cycles
Definition of vicious circlesnext
plural of vicious circle
as in cycles
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.

Related Words

Relevance
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circles
Noun
  • The researchers argue that the daily dataset has diagnostic potential, serving as an early warning system for economic cycles, a humanitarian planning tool, and a means of tracking ecological consequences as illuminated nights continue to change at an accelerating pace.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • The test does repeated cycles to try to amplify specific snippets of genetic material that may be present.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • In the 30 years since the program began, it has been implemented by a number of states and nationwide retail chains, and is now mandatory in all federal office buildings.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026
  • Justin Sullivan | Getty Images From Domino’s Pizza to Applebee’s, restaurant chains are reporting that sales softened in March as gas prices spiked.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Then move through the concentric circles one stage at a time.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 May 2026
  • Menzin, then 34, was viewed in some circles as a rising star after ascending from intern to the front office.
    Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vicious circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circles. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster