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

: bimetallism

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

This is a double standard which is yet another blatant expression of antisemitism. —Avi Weiss, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025

Keke Palmer has strong opinions about the double standards around gender roles in dating. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 June 2025

This creates a double standard: Academic researchers and institutions should share data in the name of transparency, while private corporations are free to hoard proprietary datasets in their ever-expanding data centers. —Mohammad Hosseini, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025

Even before Trump’s second term, the United States’ double standard on Israel’s horrific treatment of Gaza’s civilian population bred mistrust and cynicism in much of the world. —Casey Michel, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for double standard

• meandered
• nonstandard
• substandard
• slandered

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