vicious circle

noun

1. Also called vicious cycle. a situation in which effort to solve a given problem results in aggravation of the problem or the creation of a worse problem.

   a vicious circle where the more I give them, the more they expect.

2. Logic.

   1. (in demonstration) the use of each of two propositions to establish the other.

   2. (in definition) the use of each of two terms to define the other.

vicious circle

noun

1. Also: vicious cycle. a situation in which an attempt to resolve one problem creates new problems that lead back to the original situation

2. logic

   1. a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is inferred from premises the truth of which cannot be established independently of that conclusion

   2. an explanation given in terms that cannot be understood independently of that which was to be explained

   3. a situation in which some statement is shown to entail its negation and vice versa, as this statement is false is true only if false and false only if true

3. med a condition in which one disease or disorder causes another, which in turn aggravates the first condition

vicious circle

1. A series of reactions that compound an initial unfortunate occurrence or situation: “A person who is overweight is likely to feel frustrated and to deal with this frustration by eating more; it's a vicious circle.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicious circle¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Idioms and Phrases

A series of events in which each problem creates another and worsens the original one. For example, The fatter I get, the unhappier I am, so I eat to cheer myself up, which makes me fatter yet—it's a vicious circle. This expression comes from the French cercle vicieux, which in philosophy means “a circular proof”—that is, the proof of one statement depends on a second statement, whose proof in turn depends on the first. One writer suggests that the English meaning of “vicious” helped the expression acquire its more pejorative present sense, used since 1839.

Example Sentences

"It was a vicious circle. It was just complete turmoil... something that everyone just used to say she would grow out of or 'it's a phase' or 'she just needs to learn'," Holly added.

From BBC

This becomes a vicious circle - as the tyres become hotter, the car slides more, and vice versa.

From BBC

"Once we understand the problem, we can point people in the right direction - avoiding that vicious circle."

From BBC

The mother of a young woman with complex special needs who has been placed in Hydebank Wood prison due to violent outbursts and a lack of suitable accommodation said she is in a "vicious circle".

From BBC

"It's this kind of vicious circle. Every fashion house gives their version of what they know the customer wants, it's their interpretation and it's up to the consumer."

From BBC

Related Words

• chain reaction 
• vicious cycle www.thesaurus.com