double standard

[duhb-uhl stan-derd] / ˈdʌb əl ˈstæn dərd /

NOUN

contrasting principles

Synonyms

WEAK

contradictory standard two sets of rules

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A junior member of President Emmanuel Macron's government Wednesday criticized Clooney getting his passport despite speaking poor French, saying the move suggested a "double standard."

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

This contrast exposes a stark double standard in U.S. policy.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

In Spears' memoir, "The Woman in Me," she wrote that she noticed a double standard in the media while dating Justin Timberlake at 18.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

"It seems like there's definitely a double standard there."

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2024

There was, however, a bit of a double standard when it came to romance.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein