Vicious circle vs. Vicious cycle

Vicious circle

/ˈvɪʃəs ˈsɜːrkəl/

A difficult situation where one problem causes another problem, which makes the first problem worse

Examples:

The economy is caught in a vicious circle of inflation and wage hikes.She found herself in a vicious circle of stress leading to poor health.In politics, the scandal led to a vicious circle of blame and denial.

Synonyms:

loopcyclespiral

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Vicious cycle

/ˈvɪʃəs ˈsaɪ.kəl/

A situation where a problem causes itself to worsen or continue in an unwanted way

Examples:

A lack of sleep created a vicious cycle of fatigue.He found himself in a vicious cycle of debt.Breaking the vicious cycle was her top priority.

Synonyms:

vicious circle

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

• A vicious circle typically refers to a situation where one problem causes another, leading back to the original problem in a loop.
• A vicious cycle is often used interchangeably with vicious circle but some people may associate it more closely with processes or cycles rather than general situations.
• Remember: a circle can represent any loop of problems, whereas cycle might suggest a more structural or sequential progression.
• Both terms describe negative feedback loops, but circle hints at endless loop while cycle can imply repetitive stages.
• To recall, think of a circle as a problem loop and cycle as a repetitive sequence.