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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Shoulder pads are in for fall 2025 and so are other details that read unabashedly, authentically bold instead of being chained to the incessant trend cycle.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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No changes can be made under the current cycle through to 2027.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In the case of Tom’s, Schaden says teams are eager partners given the chain’s ability to bring in crowds even when there isn’t an event at the venue.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The effects could ripple up the chain to textile makers and farmers as everyone seeks lower prices to save costs.—
Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, have the appropriate confidence in you and your support circle to deal with whatever life throws your way.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
American investors could hypothetically gain exposure to Iran through investment funds in the Gulf, vehicles that Trump and his circle are very familiar with.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The record is a fascinating retrospective that reveals just how thoroughly Gaga understands her place in the pop-music continuum.—
Nate Sloan,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
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The film returns us to a childlike gaze, marveling at a world alive with possibility, where every sight lives on a continuum of meaning.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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