catch-22 (Meaning)
catch-22
a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule, a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives, a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended, an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation, a hidden difficulty or means of entrapment, the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
Synonyms & Antonyms of catch-22
catch-22 Sentence Examples
- John was stuck in a catch-22: he couldn't get a job without experience, but he couldn't get experience without a job.
- The rules surrounding employee health insurance were a catch-22: to qualify, you had to be healthy, but if you were healthy, you didn't need the insurance.
- The company's policy was a catch-22: to receive a promotion, you had to have performed exceptionally well, but to have performed exceptionally well, you needed the promotion.
- The legal system was a catch-22: you had the right to remain silent, but anything you said could be used against you.
- The doctor's diagnosis was a catch-22: the treatment required a blood transfusion, but the transfusion carried a risk of infection that could worsen the condition.
- The city's zoning laws were a catch-22: businesses needed parking spaces, but providing parking spaces reduced the available space for businesses.
- The traffic regulations were a catch-22: drivers were encouraged to use public transportation, but public transportation was unreliable during rush hour, when traffic was at its worst.
- The insurance policy was a catch-22: it covered accidents, but excluded accidents that occurred while driving under the influence of alcohol, which was often the cause of accidents.
- The job description was a catch-22: it required candidates to have a college degree, but only offered an entry-level salary, which made it difficult for college graduates to qualify.
- The charity's mission was a catch-22: it aimed to provide food to the homeless, but the homeless often didn't have the means to reach the charity's distribution center.
FAQs About the word catch-22
a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule, a situation presenting two equally undesir
kicker, snag, land mine, catch, pitfall, hitch,risk, gimmick, booby trap, hazard
cinch,breeze, snap,duck soup,
John was stuck in a catch-22: he couldn't get a job without experience, but he couldn't get experience without a job.
The rules surrounding employee health insurance were a catch-22: to qualify, you had to be healthy, but if you were healthy, you didn't need the insurance.
The company's policy was a catch-22: to receive a promotion, you had to have performed exceptionally well, but to have performed exceptionally well, you needed the promotion.
The legal system was a catch-22: you had the right to remain silent, but anything you said could be used against you.
