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 double standard undermines employee trust and exacerbates the growing gap between executive compensation and average worker pay, a trend that is increasingly detrimental to both employee morale and social stability. —Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

The fact of the matter is there are some very real double standards our world holds for moms vs. dads–to the point that dads will often be praised for doing the very things moms will get criticized for. —Zara Hanawalt, Parents, 19 Dec. 2024

Clark feels debate about intent reveals a gender double standard. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

But reggaeton’s defenders say a double standard is being applied. —Genevieve Glatsky, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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