a situation in which one problem causes another problem which then makes the first problem worsecomparevirtuous circleExtra examplesHe 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.
See vicious circle in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic EnglishSee vicious circle in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
