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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Why this is important for your business: Robots like these will ultimately conduct cycle counting, stock check and safety analysis of products in a warehouse, just as people are doing now.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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Biden’s 35-point lead over Trump among young women in the 2020 presidential election cycle shrank to a 24-point margin for Trump's 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, per an NBC News exit poll.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Baskin-Robbins: The ice cream shop chain has two special Mother's Day cakes – The Perfect Peony Cake and the Strawberries ‘n Cream Cake.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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The doughnut chain had originally planned to sell its sweet treats at all of McD’s 13,000 restaurants.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
Noun
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In their current iteration, men’s circles and similar programs typically attract men in midlife.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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West Side On a map, Antigua vaguely resembles an oblong circle, its jagged coastline interrupted by bays, peninsulas, and tiny inlets that hide each of its 365 beaches.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Tribal dancers stomp and sway alongside breakdancers, all in one continuous shot that becomes an anachronistic continuum of Black musical expression across the ages.—
A.A. Dowd,
Rolling Stone,
17 Apr. 2025
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The program, now in its 23rd year, partners with programs serving elderly and incapacitated adults across Lake County to develop a continuum of elder law advocacy and guardianship services, the release said.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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