vicious circle

noun

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?

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

vicious circle

noun

: a situation or condition that endlessly repeats itself

called also vicious cycle