no-win situation

NOUN

a situation destined for failure

Synonyms

WEAK

Catch-22 conundrum dilemma double bind knot lose-lose quandary

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.

I’ve put machines, and my friends and family, in a no-win situation.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

The end result: Renters get caught in something of a no-win situation.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

But in a sense, Fincher was saddled with a no-win situation.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

“It is an absolute no-win situation but this is the best plan of attack and we don’t want anyone else hurt.”

From New York Times • May 30, 2023

It was a no-win situation for the 13 women who had passed the same testing as the men of the Mercury 7.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson