vicious circle

noun
UK: /ˌvɪʃ.əs ˈsɜː.kəl/
US: /ˌvɪʃ.əs ˈsɝː.kəl/

  1. A situation in which one problem causes another problem, which then makes the first problem worse.

    1. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, starting a vicious circle.
    2. The company's declining sales created a vicious circle of job cuts and lower morale.

  2. A series of events in which each event causes the next, making the situation worse and impossible to escape.

    1. Poverty and lack of education create a vicious circle for many families.
    2. He found himself trapped in a vicious circle of debt, unable to pay off his loans.

Synonyms

catch-22 cycle malaise

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "vicious circle" in English means: A situation in which one problem causes another problem, which then makes the first problem worse., A series of events in which each event causes the next, making the situation worse and impossible to escape..

The phonetic transcription of "vicious circle" is /ˌvɪʃ.əs ˈsɜː.kəl/ in British English and /ˌvɪʃ.əs ˈsɝː.kəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "vicious circle": catch-22, cycle, malaise.

Example usage of "vicious circle": "Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, starting a vicious circle.". More examples on the page.