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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The Wegmans grocery chain has also improved the customer experience by using the GS1 Digital Link.—
Benjamin Claeys,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Even Walmart and Target sell craft supplies, though hard-core crafters will point out, rightly, that those chains don’t come close to offering the selection of fabric and other materials that Joann did.—
Andrea Valdez,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2025
Noun
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In early doujinshi circles, there were a variety of terms including Onna x Onna (woman x woman), Onna no ko x onna no ko (girl x girl), and Onna-doushi (between women).—
Vrai Kaiser,
Them.,
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 5 Jun. 2025.
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