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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This exodus potentially creates a vicious cycle: fewer AI experts means fewer competitive startups, which means fewer reasons for graduates to stay – a continental brain drain that undermines Europe's digital sovereignty.—
Moin Roberts-Islam,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Select The Cycle The safest cycle setting across the board for your duvet will be a cold/cold wash cycle, which is gentlest on fabrics.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Grads react as billionaire gives them $1,000: Watch video Yelp unveils its top 25 burger chains in the US: See the list Spotify reveals predictions for 30 top songs of summer 2025: See list Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Del Taco restaurants continue to operate in Boise — including at 3205 S. Vista Ave., the store mentioned on the marquee — plus in Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna, according to the chain’s website.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
21 May 2025
Noun
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This is incredibly damaging to career prospects and, given how little knowledge exists in mainstream medical and occupational health circles, can feel confusing and frightening for those who don’t know where to turn for advice.—
Nancy Doyle,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Yao is tough in the circle, with a 3.12 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
Noun
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The county also provides a full continuum of substance use treatment, including outpatient and residential programs, and medications for addiction treatment, according to the county.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
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Strengthen Sales Automation And Funnel Efficiency Automation technology, like software platforms and AI tools, is central to transforming organizational performance across the marketing-sales continuum.—
Ken Braun,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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