Vicious Circle Definition

noun
A situation in which the apparent solution of one problem in a chain of circumstances creates a new problem and increases the difficulty of solving the original problem.
American Heritage Medicine
A condition in which a disorder or disease gives rise to another that subsequently affects the first.
American Heritage Medicine
Any sequence of events characterized by two or more interrelated problems or ills inevitably reinforcing one another in an endless or ever-worsening cycle.
Webster's New World
An argument which is invalid because its conclusion rests on a premise which itself depends on the conclusion.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Vicious Circle

Noun

Singular:
vicious circle
Plural:
vicious-circles

Origin of Vicious Circle

  • Translation of New Latin circulus vitiōsus circular argument Medieval Latin circulus circular argument Latin vitiōsus flawed, faulty

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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vicious circle