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.
Biden acted according to a lunatic double standard. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 11 Jan. 2025 Over the last four years, CDPH has contorted and politicized its permitting process, resulting in a clear double standard in how the rules are applied to two competing businesses. Steve Joseph, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 The widespread indifference to the Uyghurs’ predicament exposes double standards, not only among today’s prevailing political ideologies, but also within the international politics of human rights. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025 Pointing out these double standards and unrealistic expectations is the first step towards addressing and correcting them. Zara Hanawalt, Parents, 19 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near double standard

Cite this Entry

“Double standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20standard. Accessed 18 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!