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
This luxury shift also creates a vicious circle as custom features and advanced technology require specialized workers, further fueling the cost of labor.
—
Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 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
Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 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
-
The phases of the moon repeat on the same calendar dates every 19 years, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory, because of the Metonic cycle.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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In office, Trump leaned on his ability to control news cycles and narratives.—
Bill Barrow,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Azores are a chain of islands in the Atlantic Ocean and roughly 900 miles west of mainland Portugal.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
25 Aug. 2025
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The light usually bounces from her mélange of expensive jewelry, which can be a mix of David Webb Lucite and diamond cuffs with elegant antique Victorian chains inlaid with stones to her own designs of diamonds and gold.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Dobson was connected to the Council for National Policy, a secretive group with powerful connections across the religious right and conservative political circles.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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Regrettably, open and meaningful discourse about Zionism has not been widely accepted within many mental health circles.—
Daniel Balva,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In previous years, local continuums received funding through a competitive grant process, for which the Orlando region has scored among the highest in the nation, meaning more money came here.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 June 2025
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Everything is connected within a continuum of constant change.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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