catch-22

noun
UK: /ˌkætʃ ˈtwɛntiˌtuː/
US: /ˌkætʃ ˈtwɛntiˌtuː/

  1. A problematic situation for which the only solution is denied because of a circumstance inherent in the problem.

    1. It's a catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience without a job.
    2. The funding is a catch-22; we can't start the project without money, but we can't get money until we start.

  2. A paradox or dilemma arising from conflicting rules or conditions.

    1. He faced a real catch-22 when asked to choose between family and job.
    2. The company's policy created a catch-22, rewarding early adopters but penalizing latecomers.

Synonyms

dilemma paradox predicament vicious circle
catch-22 adjective

  1. Describing a situation where someone is trapped by contradictory rules.

    1. It's a catch-22 situation, so I don't know what to do.
    2. The catch-22 conditions made it nearly impossible for anyone to succeed in that role.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "catch-22" in English means: A problematic situation for which the only solution is denied because of a circumstance inherent in the problem., A paradox or dilemma arising from conflicting rules or conditions..

The phonetic transcription of "catch-22" is /ˌkætʃ ˈtwɛntiˌtuː/ in British English and /ˌkætʃ ˈtwɛntiˌtuː/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "catch-22": dilemma, paradox, predicament, vicious circle.

Example usage of "catch-22": "It's a catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience without a job.". More examples on the page.