vicious circle
noun /ˌvɪʃəs ˈsɜːkl/
/ˌvɪʃəs ˈsɜːrkl/
(also vicious cycle
[singular] /ˌvɪʃəs ˈsaɪkl/
/ˌvɪʃəs ˈsaɪkl/
)- a situation in which one problem causes another problem which then makes the first problem worse
- He was trapped in a vicious circle of addiction and petty crime.
- She can't see any way to break out of this vicious circle.
- Stress and fatigue can create a vicious circle.