double standard

noun

1
: a set of principles that applies differently and usually more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another
especially : a code of morals that applies more severe standards of sexual behavior to women than to men
2

Examples of double standard in a Sentence

She argued that society applies a double standard in dealing with women who commit adultery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beneath the sarcasm and satire, there appears to be a genuine desire to challenge assumptions, expose hypocrisy, and shine a light on uncomfortable truths and double standards. Margie Warrell, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 There is a [different] double standard — women have been monstrously exploited and men haven’t... Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025 This double standard extends toward Washington’s selective engagement with international legal bodies and its inconsistent approach to sovereignty and intervention. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 And that’s an awful double standard for an advisor to live under while preaching financial stability and wealth management to their clients. Marc Rogers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for double standard

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double standard was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Double standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20standard. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

double standard

noun
: a set of standards that applies differently and usually more harshly to one group of people or circumstances than to another

More from Merriam-Webster on double standard

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