vicious circle — a sequence of recurring problems where each problem creates conditions that lead to the next problem, making the situation progressively worse
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a sequence of recurring problems where each problem creates conditions that lead to the next problem, making the situation progressively worse
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɪʃəs ˈsɜːrkəl/
Example Sentences
- Jake's gaming addiction created a vicious circle: he played games to avoid homework, then felt guilty about bad grades, so he played more games to forget.
- The company is stuck in a vicious circle where low profits prevent investment in innovation, which keeps profits low.
- Sarah's diet plan became a vicious circle: she ate salad, got hungry, ate a whole pizza, felt guilty, then promised to eat only salad tomorrow.
vicious circle
NOUN[/ˈvɪʃəs ˈsɜːrkəl/]
a sequence of recurring problems where each problem creates conditions that lead to the next problem, making the situation progressively worse
a sequence of recurring problems where each problem creates conditions that lead to the next problem, making the situation progressively worse
Breaking through each hurdle, but trapped in a vicious circle!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase derives from Latin vitiosus (defective, flawed) and circulus (circle). From the 16th century onward, it metaphorically described self-perpetuating problems by comparing their endless repetition to the shape of a circle.
Breakdown
vicious (from Latin vitiosus, meaning defective or faulty) + circle (from Latin circulus, meaning round shape or cycle). The compound evokes a cyclical pattern where each problem causes or reinforces the next, creating an endless loop.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Jake's gaming addiction created a vicious circle: he played games to avoid homework, then felt guilty about bad grades, so he played more games to forget.”
“The company is stuck in a vicious circle where low profits prevent investment in innovation, which keeps profits low.”
“Sarah's diet plan became a vicious circle: she ate salad, got hungry, ate a whole pizza, felt guilty, then promised to eat only salad tomorrow.”
“To break the vicious circle of unemployment, the government launched job training programs.”
📚Related Words
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