double standard

noun

1
: a set of principles that applies differently and usually more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another
especially : a code of morals that applies more severe standards of sexual behavior to women than to men
2

Examples of double standard in a Sentence

She argued that society applies a double standard in dealing with women who commit adultery.
Recent Examples on the Web The laws often leave loopholes for surgeons to continue nonconsensual procedures on intersex infants — a double standard in the U.S. that was condemned by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) in a May report. Samantha Riedel, Them, 28 June 2024 Former Council Delegate Katherine Benally said that in 2003, there were many double standards in place that held women leaders back. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024 The saga may cast a shadow over the swimming events at Paris 2024, with critics accusing WADA of double standards. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 19 June 2024 Supporters of Ukraine have accused the US and its allies of showing double standards in rushing to Israel's air defence after refusing to intervene in Russian missile attacks on Kyiv for more than two years. Elliott Goat, The Week Uk, theweek, 17 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for double standard 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'double standard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double standard was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near double standard

Cite this Entry

“Double standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20standard. Accessed 6 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

double standard

noun
: a set of standards that applies differently and usually more harshly to one group of people or circumstances than to another

More from Merriam-Webster on double standard

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