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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vicious circle
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
This dynamic, whereby American conspiracy theorists and foreign intelligence operatives feed off one another in a vicious circle, is not new.
—Olga Belogolova, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2024
Critics argue Musk has trapped Tesla in a vicious circle by training consumers to postpone their purchase in the hopes of getting a better deal in the future.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2024
Drought is a vicious circle for farmers: As rainfall decreases, the soil compresses.
—Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
This dynamic, whereby American conspiracy theorists and foreign intelligence operatives feed off one another in a vicious circle, is not new.
—Olga Belogolova, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2024
Critics argue Musk has trapped Tesla in a vicious circle by training consumers to postpone their purchase in the hopes of getting a better deal in the future.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2024
Drought is a vicious circle for farmers: As rainfall decreases, the soil compresses.
—Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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Those cane toads would in turn eventually produce their own Peter Pan hatchlings, allowing researchers to repeat the cycle.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
10 Apr. 2025
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Shoulder pads are in for fall 2025 and so are other details that read unabashedly, authentically bold instead of being chained to the incessant trend cycle.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The theater chain announced on social media that the special screenings will take place on Sunday, April 20.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Tax Day is coming this week and restaurant chains across the country are offering customers freebies and discounts to celebrate the occasion.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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American investors could hypothetically gain exposure to Iran through investment funds in the Gulf, vehicles that Trump and his circle are very familiar with.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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At the same time, have the appropriate confidence in you and your support circle to deal with whatever life throws your way.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The record is a fascinating retrospective that reveals just how thoroughly Gaga understands her place in the pop-music continuum.—
Nate Sloan,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
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The film returns us to a childlike gaze, marveling at a world alive with possibility, where every sight lives on a continuum of meaning.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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