double whammy

noun

: a combination of two usually adverse forces, circumstances, or effects

Examples of double whammy in a Sentence

With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The devastating tornadoes that swept through Rolling Fork, Mississippi, in March 2023 were a double whammy for Andrea Williams, who was looking forward to celebrating her birthday that day. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024 The flag was a double whammy — not only did Kansas City lose a first down, but the 10 yards also moved the team out of field goal range. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024 Not only did the shop lose most of its inventory, but the lack of traffic during the busiest tourist months was a double whammy, so Gibb's phone call was a lifeline for Rathbone. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024 The double whammy of high home costs and mortgage rates is pricing many buyers out of the market. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for double whammy 

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double whammy was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near double whammy

Cite this Entry

“Double whammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20whammy. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on double whammy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!