as in dilemma
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
the double bind faced by every politician: responding to scurrilous charges only gives them unwarranted publicity; not responding to such charges is often interpreted as an admission of guilt
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Recent Examples of double bind
As if breaking the law would offer a symbolic release from this double bind, the third video documents Liden trespassing into the apartment of an anonymous hoarder.
—
Erika Landström,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Cast members of color, on the other hand, are often trapped in a double bind of sorts.
—
Shamira Ibrahim,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
China is already facing a double bind of labor shortages in some sectors and unemployment in others.
—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
This double bind can be traumatic.
—
Hind Haddad,
The Conversation,
30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Erika Landström,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Cast members of color, on the other hand, are often trapped in a double bind of sorts.
—
Shamira Ibrahim,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
China is already facing a double bind of labor shortages in some sectors and unemployment in others.
—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
This double bind can be traumatic.
—
Hind Haddad,
The Conversation,
30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double bind
Noun
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Deciding whether to include a second job on your resume is a common dilemma, as hiring managers often disagree on such details.
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As open source models become more capable, governments are going to face a real dilemma about what to do about them.
Noun
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Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
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The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
Cite this Entry
“Double bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20bind. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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