a cycle of debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cycle of debt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an individual or entity continuously borrows money to pay off existing debts, leading to an ongoing financial struggle. Example: "Many families find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, unable to escape the burden of high-interest loans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The farmers are caught in a cycle of debt which is policy-driven," he said.

The New York Times

The resurgence of debtors' prisons in some states, which trap the poor in a cycle of debt, is also featured.

The Guardian

"After leaving our care she slipped into a cycle of debt that she couldn't afford to support," said Breens.

The Guardian - Money

In west Africa, shark fishermen often quickly become trapped in a cycle of debt [pdf] with South East Asian fin traders.

The Guardian

All too often those in temporary accommodation get stuck in a cycle of debt, benefit sanctions and unpaid bills, which can lead them into deeper depression.

The Guardian

Too often borrowers are left paying rates as high as 4,000 per cent, trapped in a cycle of debt as loans are repeatedly "rolled over".

Independent

But farmers generally have no more than half that.This leaves many trapped in a cycle of debt, exacerbated as each generation subdivides the family land.

The Economist

The report drew criticism from advocates of traditional agriculture, who warned that adopting genetically engineered crops could trap poor farmers in a cycle of debt to the multinational companies that own patents on the seeds.

The New York Times

Many of them have travelled unaccompanied from all over Zimbabwe and risk exploitation and abuse from malaishas – taxi drivers/smugglers – who steer them into a cycle of debt and forced labour.

The Guardian

With much of those meagre wages sent to subsidise families in townships and villages, miners are trapped in a cycle of debt to local payday creditors, and deprivation is extreme.

The Guardian

It's about more than understanding the well-known problem of a cycle of debt that often forces PhD students to accept low-wage, low-security jobs with few or no benefits after graduation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal finance or economic policy, use "a cycle of debt" to clearly convey the repetitive and difficult-to-break nature of debt accumulation.

Common error

Avoid using "a cycle of debt" when referring to a single, isolated instance of borrowing. The phrase implies a recurring pattern, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cycle of debt" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a recurring and self-perpetuating pattern of borrowing and indebtedness. Ludwig examples show it's often used to highlight financial difficulties and systemic issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cycle of debt" is a widely used and understood term, particularly in news and media, to describe a recurring pattern of borrowing and indebtedness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Alternative phrases like "debt spiral" and "debt trap" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a recurring pattern, not just a single instance of debt. By understanding its meaning and usage, writers can effectively communicate the challenges of financial hardship and economic instability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debt spiral

A more concise term that implies a rapidly worsening debt situation.

debt trap

Highlights the difficulty in escaping a state of indebtedness.

vicious circle of debt

Emphasizes the negative and self-perpetuating nature of the debt.

cycle of indebtedness

A more formal way of describing the repeated accumulation of debt.

financial quicksand

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the difficulty in escaping debt.

debt treadmill

Suggests a continuous and exhausting effort to manage debt without making progress.

endless debt

Implies that the debt has no foreseeable end.

perpetual debt

Similar to "endless debt", but with a more formal tone.

inescapable debt

Focuses on the feeling of being unable to get out of debt.

mounting debt

Highlights the increasing nature of the debt.

FAQs

How can I use "a cycle of debt" in a sentence?

You can use "a cycle of debt" to describe a situation where someone repeatedly borrows money to pay off existing debts, leading to continuous financial strain. For instance, "Many low-income families are trapped in "a cycle of debt" due to high-interest payday loans."

What can I say instead of "a cycle of debt"?

You can use alternatives like "debt spiral", "debt trap", or "vicious circle of debt" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cycle of debt" or "spiral of debt"?

Both "cycle of debt" and "debt spiral" are valid, but "debt spiral" often implies a more rapid and uncontrolled worsening of the debt situation compared to the more general "cycle of debt".

What causes "a cycle of debt"?

"A cycle of debt" can be caused by various factors, including low wages, unexpected expenses, high interest rates, and poor financial management. It often results from using debt to cover essential needs, leading to further borrowing to repay the initial debt.