Grammar fix

a vicious cycle

self-worsening loop

a situation in which one problem causes another problem, making the first problem even worse, so the cycle keeps repeating and getting harder to break.

collocationC1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

Many people get trapped in a vicious cycle of stress and poor sleep, where each one makes the other worse.daily life
If people lose their jobs, they may become depressed, which can make it even harder to find new work, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a vicious cycle of [noun/gerund]

WrongIt's a vicious cycle that's hard to break out.

RightIt's a vicious cycle that's hard to break out of.

You 'break out OF' a vicious cycle (or just 'break' it).

Patterna vicious cycle of [noun/gerund]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff This generates a self-perpetuating and self-reinforcing detrimental cycle.

Natural It's a vicious cycle.

'Self-perpetuating, self-reinforcing detrimental cycle' is jargon for the everyday 'vicious cycle'.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

a vicious cycle of
ofbreaktrapped increate

Don't confuse it

Unlike a simple problem or a one-off setback, 'a vicious cycle' refers to a repeating pattern where each problem makes the next one worse. It is not used for positive feedback loops (which are called 'virtuous cycles').

Try it in Daily Speak →