ˌvicious ˈcircle (also ˌvicious ˈcycle) noun [singular]
a situation in which one problem causes another problem, that then causes the first problem again, so that the whole process continues to be repeated

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

vicious circle
a difficult situation that cannot be improved because one problem causes another problem that causes the first problem again.
I get depressed so I eat and then I gain weight which depresses me so I eat again - I'm caught in a vicious circle.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

vicious circle
unbroken sequence of cause and effect with bad results
He had fallen into a vicious circle of drinking too much and then losing his job and then drinking even more.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

vicious circle
n. phr. A kind of circular or chain reaction in which one negative thing leads to another.
Some people take so many different kinds of medicine to cure an illness that they develop other illnesses from the medicine and are thus caught in a vicious circle.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲