vicious circle

noun

Definition of vicious circle

1 : an argument or definition that begs the question

2 : a chain of events in which the response to one difficulty creates a new problem that aggravates the original difficulty

— called also vicious cycle

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about vicious circle

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Did You Know?

Vicious circle originally referred to a circular argument, that is, an argument that assumes the conclusion as one of its premises. That sense was first documented around the end of the 18th century. Approximately 50 years later, vicious circle acquired the now more common "chain of events" sense as people began to think of the circle as a metaphorical circle rather than a circular argument. Today, vicious cycle is a common variant for the "chain of events" sense. Vicious spiral, in which the ill effects are cumulative as well as self-aggravating, puts in an occasional appearance as well.

Examples of vicious circle in a Sentence

We're trapped in a vicious circle.

Recent Examples on the Web

The plunge in yields risks spawning a vicious circle for the industry. — Fortune, "Financial Security of Future Retirees in Jeopardy After ‘Financial Vandalism’ of Falling Yields," 27 Aug. 2019 Then comes a vicious circle of defaults, falling demand, production cutbacks, unemployment, and so on in a classic crisis of capital. — Charles Eisenstein, Quartz, "How a game of musical chairs can help explain our broken economy," 27 Aug. 2019 So, Zach continues the vicious circle after going to the hospital. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "This Is Exactly Who Killed Bryce Walker & Why In 13 Reasons Why Season 3," 24 Aug. 2019 The far right has set off a vicious circle of disinformation by filling the information and communication gap on topics such as demographic change with emotive, speculative and hysterical content instead of facts. — Jacob Davey, Time, "We Analyzed How the "Great Replacement" and Far Right Ideas Spread Online. The Trends Reveal Deep Concerns.," 18 July 2019 There are vicious circles in addiction cycles, meaning that negative conditions tend to perpetuate themselves. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, "Real World Economics: Drug addictions sap economy but vary regionally," 21 July 2019 This leads to a vicious circle, with ever-higher levies being imposed on those Greeks who can’t or don’t want to evade taxes, hampering economic growth. — Nektaria Stamouli, WSJ, "Greek Bailout Ends, But Underlying Problems Remain," 21 Aug. 2018 America has entered a rhetorical vicious circle that may be impossible to escape. — The Economist, "American political rhetoric is sliding towards the sewer," 21 June 2018 This has led to a vicious circle of excessive pressure, fear of failure, underachievement, vilification and scapegoating. — SI.com, "An Urgent Message to England Fans at the World Cup - Please Calm Down & Get Real!," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vicious circle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for vicious circle

vicious circle

noun

English Language Learners Definition of vicious circle

: a repeating situation or condition in which one problem causes another problem that makes the first problem worse

See the full definition for vicious circle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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vicious circle

Definition of vicious circle

Did You Know?

Examples of vicious circle in a Sentence

First Known Use of vicious circle

English Language Learners Definition of vicious circle

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