vicious circle

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.

But eventually the current wave loses its potency, the pendulum swings to the next outsiders, and the vicious circle folds into itself like an Escher painting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

The business squeeze has in turn led many establishments to raise entry charges and drinks prices, setting off a vicious circle where many young people and stalwarts of the scene feel priced out.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

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

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

It’s a vicious circle of rats abandoning ship.

From Slate • Jul. 10, 2025

We were caught in a vicious circle of unpleasantness and sorrow.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank