double bind

USAGE SUMMARY

"double bind" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is put in a difficult, no-win situation; they must choose between two undesirable alternatives. For example, "The government's decision to cut funding has left the school in a double bind; it must choose between laying off teachers or increasing students' tuition fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Double bind again.

The New York Times

We face a double bind.

The Guardian

That puts Turkey in a double bind.

The New York Times

The retrospective almost unpicks Double Bind".

Independent

Mr Rutte is in a double bind.

The Economist

She called it a double bind.

The New York Times

Dating thus amounted to a double bind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We're in real double-bind," she said.

The New York Times

This is something of a double-bind.

The Guardian - Music

Ngoasheng, for one, feels caught in a double-bind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Infertile couples are left in a difficult double-bind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In psychological or academic writing, you can use the term to reference the specific theory of communication developed by Gregory Bateson.

Common error

Do not use "double bind" when you mean a "double standard". A double standard refers to different sets of principles applied to different groups. A "double bind" is a specific type of dilemma for one person where any action taken results in failure because of contradictory requirements.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "double bind" acts as a compound noun. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as the direct object of verbs like "face", "put in" or "create". It serves to name a complex psychological or logical phenomenon where contradictory demands are placed on a single subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "double bind" is a robust and sophisticated term used to describe a situation of total entrapment caused by conflicting demands. Ludwig AI reveals that it is a favorite among journalists and scholars to explain gender dynamics, political crises and corporate mismanagement. Unlike a simple dilemma, a "double bind" suggests that the person involved is penalized regardless of their choice, making it a powerful tool for social and psychological critique. Whether you are discussing the history of psychology or modern office politics, using this phrase adds a layer of analytical depth to your writing by pointing to the structural nature of a problem rather than just a simple misfortune.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch-22

highlights a circular dependency or paradoxical rule that prevents a solution

no-win situation

emphasizes that every available choice results in a negative outcome

Morton's fork

describes a choice between two options that both lead to the same undesirable end

lose-lose proposition

more informal and common in business contexts to describe a failing strategy

quandary

focuses more on the state of perplexity or uncertainty rather than the logical structure

dilemma

a broader term for any choice between two difficult options

impasse

suggests a total lack of progress rather than a choice between bad options

checkmate

metaphorical term implying a final state of unavoidable defeat

deadlock

describes a situation where opposing forces are balanced and cannot move

predicament

a general term for an unpleasant or difficult situation

FAQs

What is a simple example of a "double bind"?

A common example of a "double bind" is a workplace expectation where a woman is told to be more assertive to lead, but is then criticized as being aggressive for doing so. She is trapped between being "liked" and being "respected".

Can I use "catch-22" instead of "double bind"?

Yes, in many informal contexts, a "catch-22" is a very close synonym. However, "double bind" often implies a more emotional or psychological toll resulting from communication, whereas a catch-22 usually refers to bureaucratic or logical absurdity.

Is it "double bind" or "double-bind"?

According to Ludwig, the most frequent usage is the open form "double bind" when used as a noun. Some publications use the hyphenated "double-bind", especially when it acts as an adjective or in specific scientific literature.

What is the origin of the term "double bind"?

The term originated in the field of psychology, specifically within the study of schizophrenia by Gregory Bateson and his colleagues. It has since evolved into a common term for any "no-win situation" found in politics, social settings, or business.